Population |
||
| Sumter County | % Yearly Increase | |
| 2006 | 82,599 | 12% |
| 2007 | 89,771 | 9% |
| 2008 | 93,024 | 3.62% |
Winter Population |
||||
| Permanent & Seasonal Population Projections * | ||||
|
2005
|
2010
|
2015
|
2020
|
|
| Permanent |
56,600
|
64,200
|
71,800
|
79,475
|
| Seasonal |
17,661
|
21,613
|
25,564
|
29,448
|
Labor Force (March, 2009) |
|
| Sumter County | |
| Labor Force | 33,127 |
| Labor Force Employed | 30,382 |
| Labor Force Unemployed | 2745 |
| Unemployment Rate | 8.3% |
Major Private Sector Employers |
||
| Business Line | Employees | |
| Coleman Federal Prison | Federal Corrections | 1,004 |
| Sumter District Schools | Public Education | 815 |
| The Villages | Housing Construction | 700 |
| Sumter Correctional Institute | Corrections | 500 |
| T&D Concrete | Concrete | 460 |
| Sumter County Government | Government | 437 |
| Villages Regional Medical Center | Healthcare | 367 |
| Lake Sumter Community College | Education | 365 |
| Wal-Mart Superstore | Retail | 340 |
| Sumter Electric Cooperative | Energy | 300 |
Employment by Industry (2007) |
||
| Sumter County | Florida | |
| Natural Resources & Mining | 2.1% | 1.2% |
| Construction | 24.8% | 7.5% |
| Manufacturing | 6.7% | 4.9% |
| Trade, Transportation and Utilities | 17.1% | 20.9% |
| Information | 0.2% | 2.0% |
| Financial Activities | 3.2% | 6.8% |
| Professional & Business Services | 2.1% | 16.6% |
| Education & Health Services | 9.6% | 18.9% |
| Leisure & Hospitality | 8.0% | 11.8% |
| Other Services | 1.6% | 3.2% |
| Public administration | 10.4% | 5.9% |
| Unclassified | 0.0% | 0.1% |
| Average Annual Employment | 20,245 | 7,945,162 |
Transportation in Sumter County |
|
| Road and Rail | |
| Federal Interstates | I-75 |
| Federal Highways | US-301 |
| State Highways | SR-44, SR-50, SR-471, Florida Turnpike |
| Railroads | CSX Transportation |
| Airports | |
| Nearest Airport with Scheduled Commercial Airline Service | Orlando International Airport |
| # Runways | 3 |
| Longest Paved Runway | 12,005 ft. |
| General Aviation Airports | Leesburg Regional, Ocala Municipal |
| Water Ports | |
| Local Deep Water Port | Tampa Port Authority |
| Miles to Closest Port | 53 |
Launching and running a business in Sumter County has undeniable advantages. In addition to an idyllic lifestyle and pristine natural beauty, Sumter County offers abundant land, a ready workforce and these advantages:
Sumter Countys transportation network is the road to success. Situated in the geographic center of Florida, Sumter County is referred to as the Crossroads of Central Florida. It is served by a wide variety of transportation routes, including I-75, the Florida Turnpike, US Hwy 301, and State Road 44. A major rail trunk also serves Sumter County, with additional rail enhancements expected in the near future as a result of the state's high-speed rail initiative.
This interconnected transport system means a seamless ride for people and products by air, sea, road and rail. No Sumter County business is more than 90 miles from a deepwater port or more than a 90-minute drive from a major commercial airport. More than 60% of the continental U.S. can be reached via overnight freight from any Sumter County location.
Sumter County Transit
Sumter County Transit provides residents with access to safe, professional, efficient, and cost-effective transportation services through Sumter County. For additional information or to arrange transportation to a particular destination, call (352) 568-6683 or visit Sumter County Transit's website.
Need a Ride to Work? Inquire about the Work Related Assistance Program (WRAP) designed to assist residents with a no cost transportation service for low income individuals to and from their place of employment. Transportation services, to and from childcare facilities, as part of their work trip anywhere within Sumter County are also included. Please visit the WRAP Site for additional information.
The Lake-Sumter MPO was established on Feb. 25, 2004, after the 2000 Census determined the Leesburg-Eustis Urbanized Area and the Lady Lake Urbanized Area each had exceeded a population of 50,000. The purpose of the MPO is to provide a forum for a coordinated, comprehensive and continual transportation planning process. This process is critical in providing a safe, effective and cost efficient transportation system. The Lake-Sumter MPO is responsible for the planning of several modes of transportation including highway, transit, bicycle, pedestrian and paratransit.
Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) provides a forum for cooperative planning and decision making concerning transportation issues throughout the urbanized area of Lake and Sumter counties in Florida. As the lead agency for regional transportation planning, the MPO is responsible for the planning of several modes of transportation.
Sumter County's fully integrated workforce system ensures that most businesses will find a large pool of skilled and qualified workers available to fulfill most of their workplace needs. An estimated labor force of over 200,000 people resides within a 30-minute commute radius of Wildwood. This includes workers in nearby counties who have easy access to Sumter County jobs via the area's extensive highway network.
Floridas education system makes workforce readiness the top priority at every level. Lake-Sumter Community College and other training institutions are within a half-hour drive; urban amenities and coastal pleasures are never far away; and an excellent transportation network provides easy access.
The Sumter County Housing Department offers many options and resources for existing home owners and would-be homeowners dreaming of owning their own home. For up-to-date information on program availability, please call 352-793-0272 or visit the Sumter County Housing Department's website.
Our medical community offers several excellent medical resources conveniently located throughout Sumter County. The following medical facilities are included among these:
The right combination of location and workforce diversity makes Florida a leader in international trade.
Floridas balanced approach meets todays energy demands with an eye on tomorrows needs. Broadband networks reach almost every corner of Florida.
Sumter County is business friendly; we combine low taxes with a spirit of collaboration and can-do spirit that promote business growth.
The worlds No. 1 travel destination is a great place to live, too. Sumter County residents enjoy a friendly hometown atmosphere with a historic flavor. This rapidly growing community remains committed to planned growth through development that offers a balance between a relaxed lifestyle and the more metropolitan attractions located within an easy drive in the nearby cities of Tampa and Orlando.
Rural cities like those in Sumter County are ready for business. Rural-based businesses may be eligible for incentives, tax credits and worker training programs. Wildwood, Bushnell, Coleman, and Webster all qualify for rural status.
Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund
Over a minimum of four years, pays at least $6,000 per job created in an Enterprise Zone or rural county.
Rural Job Tax Credit
A tax credit against sales and use or corporate income tax may be taken by eligible businesses for the creation of new jobs at a rate of $1,000 per job created.
Rural Infrastructure Fund
Grants made to local government on behalf of a business may fund up to 30% of the costs for public infrastructure upgrades.
Rural Community Development Revolving Loans
A loan or loan guaranty available for a specific project that will lead to new jobs and increase the economic vitality and diversification of Floridas rural counties.
Relocating to Wildwood
The City of Wildwood may offer special incentives for business/industry choosing to make this city their home. For additional information related to incentives, please contact the Sr. Projects Manager at 352-330-1330 ext. 112
Online Permitting Web Site
The Sumter County Planning & Development Department has a website that will allow you to search Parcels, Permits, Contractors, and Projects. You can also use their Online Permitting tool.
State of FL Business Links
From general topics to record keeping, taxes, and licenses.
Florida Division of Corporations Sunbiz
From here you can search and access filed information for corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, general partnerships, trademarks, fictitious name registrations and liens. Images of most filed documents can be downloaded at no charge and to make the filing process easier, most filing forms can also be downloaded.