Doing Business in Ocala, Marion County

Marion County is known for its strong business climate, affordable lifestyle and diversity of activities and community locations.

Marion County is home to thousands of new residents each year, making it one of the fastest growing areas in the country. The county’s welcoming atmosphere makes transitions easy with a variety of affordable housing, ensuring homes suitable for every taste, lifestyle and budget. The community is known for its strong business climate, affordable lifestyle and diversity of activities and community locations.

• Opportunities and Growth
• Demographics and Facts
• Important Phone Numbers
• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Insurance
• Employment
• Business Resource Center
• U. S. Chamber of Commerce
• Florida Chamber of Commerce

Opportunities and Growth

Marion County is one of the fastest growing areas in the country.

In 1970, the county’s population was less than 70,000. Agriculture, citrus groves, timber and cattle were the foundation on which the area’s economy. Although still important factors in the economic equation, the breeding of horses, tourism and business development represent the most dramatic growth.

Of the county’s five municipalities, Ocala is the largest. Ocala has worked closely with the rehabilitation and construction of buildings within the Community Redevelopment Area to promote a revitalized downtown area. Recently, the Chamber of Commerce joined efforts with other organizations and the City of Ocala to achieve a "Sustainable Community" designation.

The Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce and the Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corporation have joined forces to address attracting cutting-edge businesses and the expansion of local businesses. The partnership continues with the exploration of establishing a strong business and workforce development atmosphere in Marion County.

Demographics and Basic Facts

Located in a predominately rural area of the state, Marion County ranks in the 20 most populous counties in Florida. It is home to nearly 325,000 people, the majority of whom live in unincorporated areas. Ocala, the largest population center in the county, includes nearly 20 percent of the county's residents. Though Marion County is one of the 20 most populous counties in the state, its large size (1,610 square miles) yields a density of roughly 203 persons per square mile, which is substantially lower than the state density of 288 persons per square mile.

A steady supply of workers is available in Marion County, Florida. The entire workforce, including adjoining counties, totals nearly 700,000. Employment levels in manufacturing are double the statewide average.  For additional information on the Marion County workforce, please click here.

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Population

According to US Census data, our community grew almost 40% from 1990 to 2000, and it grew about 17% from 2000 to 2006, placing it in the top 20% of growing communities nationwide. In comparing counties across the State of Florida, Marion County ranks 18th for growth out of the 67 counties. Please click here for the latest population statistics.

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Age Comparisons

 

0 - 17	64,670
18 - 34	66,505
35 - 54	80,778
55 - 64	36,947
65 - 84	68,045
85 and over	10,603
Median age	43.15
Total	327,598

Source: Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corporation

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Basic Facts

Construction

The Construction Industry in Marion County is one of the fastest in the state of Florida. Over 200 building permits are issued each month with contractors building everything from ‘barns to office buildings’. Marion County has been recognized as the location of astounding growth in home and business construction. The builders are represented by the Marion County Building Industry Association as well as the local Chamber of Commerce.

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Insurance

Commercial, group and individual programs are available for structural, liability, health, life, retirement, disability, and workers compensation. This wide range of insurance offerings is offered by many businesses within the Marion County Area.

Click here to search our membership directory for local insurance providers.

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Top Manufacturers and Distributors

You’re in Good Company In Ocala...The Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corporation sites business recruitment and retention as key elements in their Strategic Plan and showcases some of the companies that have chosen Ocala as a community that is great for business.  Please click here to visit their website for current information on our communities top employers.

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