Hardee County Economic Development Council
Hardee County was born in the mid-1800s from forts erected against Indian attacks. The central Florida soil that compromises Hardee County today is some of the richest in the world. We are one of the country’s prime agricultural centers, our abundant produce and prize-winning livestock bringing top dollar; our sweet Valencia oranges are in constant demand.
Life in Hardee County means land, lots of it – some 500,000 acres. It means clean air, clean water, safe streets, friendly neighbors, civic pride, affordable living and hometown fun. It’s this one-of-a-kind way of life that unites the 28,000 residents of Hardee County in our effort to enhance and ensure all this heartland haven has to offer.
“Quality of life” takes on a new meaning in a setting where children can walk to neighborhood schools, housing is affordable and appealing, businesses enjoy minimal overhead and optimal labor force and the pace stays somewhere between smooth and steady. Life in Hardee County also means wide-open economic opportunities, communities eager to support new industry and growth, a ready labor force, an appealing tax climate and a thriving urge to maintain our history of success.
As a small rural county in Central Florida, we offer the best of both worlds, a small-town atmosphere with a close proximity to larger cities. The beautiful Peace River flows through our county offering recreation and fertile agricultural lands. Canoeing, fishing and fossil hunting are a favorite pastime with our many visitors.
Hardee County will continue in a forward trend. Fertile land and mild climate combine to produce an abundant agricultural economy. A receptive political attitude is enhancing opportunity for industrial, commercial and residential segments of the economy over the long term.
The Hardee County Economic Development Council and the Hardee County Industrial Development Authority are separate entities that work together to foster and promote economic development in Hardee County. The mission of the Hardee County EDC/IDA is to foster and promote economic development in the geographic boundaries of Hardee County through business recruitment and expansion. The EDC/IDA accomplishes this by utilizing unique sources of funding, grants received through the Hardee County Economic Development Authority and its own real estate portfolio to create incentives for companies.