One Community. MANY Opportunities.
Creating a Vision for Hardee County’s Economic Future
In January 2024, The Development Group asked residents, via a county-wide survey, to help shape Hardee County’s economic future.
They provided important information that will help determine:
The new industries that would be a good match for Hardee County.
The best way to ensure good-paying jobs and opportunity in our community.
The amenities that should be available for both residents and businesses.
The greatest needs in Hardee County, from housing and health care to transportation and recreation.
How do Respondents Describe Hardee County?
How to Attract New Investments & Jobs
Room for Growth - Perception of Hardee County’s Business Climate
Getting Better
Unchanged
Getting Worse
Residents Perception of Hardee County’s Important Industries
41%
Agriculture, Farming, Ranching
28%
Phosphate Industry
9%
Schools and Government
8%
Manufacturing
4%
Retail
2%
Forestry, Fishing, Hunting
2%
Unsure
Residents Top Priorities for Growth
25%
Job Training Programs
24%
Improving K-12 Education
20%
Adding to Housing Supply
15%
Expanding Healthcare
8%
Infrastructure Improvements
6%
Promoting Tourism
3%
Unsure
Health Care Improvement Priorities
First Priority
Second Priority
Access to Goods & Services
Yes
No
Survey Methodology:
The survey exceeded our expectations for participation. With a random, statistically significant sample of 230 residents, and 207 participants who responded to advertising of an open survey link, the result is accurate to within 4.6%.
2030 Legacy Plan
Hardee County - Built for Growth
Strategically Located
Florida’s growth is happening in the Heartland. This makes Hardee County an ideal location for businesses that need access to a large labor pool, suppliers and customers.
Infrastructure Edge
Served by major highways, rail hubs and seaports, Hardee County businesses are plugged into the global marketplace.
Business Friendly
Less red tape, more incentive programs, robust workforce training, and access to financing and capital position the business community for success.