Just as Florida leaders ramp up state efforts to woo business and industry leaders during the Republican National Convention, the state’s desirability for doing business has dropped dramatically according to a new poll.
The CNBC America’s Top States for Business Study in 2012 ranks Florida 29th out of 50 among business friendly states. That is a plunge of 11 spots. Florida ranked 18th in 2011 CNBC study.
Among the 10 categories used to rate the business climate, Florida’s largest decline came in “access to capital.” It plunged from 9th to 24th. Florida also dropped from 35th to 42nd in the education category. The state’s economy stayed the same - ranked 47th both years.
Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan had not seen the most recent survey, but called the findings disappointing.
“The unfortunate reality is that the era of relying on weather and our favorable tax climate is over,” Hagan said. He added that the county has revamped its business incentive programs and called on the state to do the same.
Texas, Utah, Virginia, North Carolina and North Dakota are the top five states for doing business according to the 2012 CNBC Survey and Rhode Island the least desirable.
