Florida is the Second Best U.S. State for Business, Leading a Strong Contingency of Southeastern States

From aerospace to high-tech, manufacturing and life sciences, Florida continues to attract top companies

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May 07, 2015, 10:00 ET

GREENWICH, Conn., May 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Chief executives have shown that they favor pro-growth, low-tax states by ranking the sunshine state as the second best state for business according to Chief Executive magazine's annual "Best and Worst States for Business" survey.

In the annual survey, completed by 511 U.S. CEOs, states are measured across three categories to achieve their overall ranking: Taxes and regulations, quality of the workforce, and living environment, which includes considerations such as quality of education, cost of living, affordable housing, social amenities and crime rates.

One CEO reported, "Florida is making all the right moves with a great place to work and live." Another told Chief Executive, "Florida has several advantages from a government standpoint; however, very limited resources to support growing technology businesses." CEOs consistently have ranked Florida high in terms of low taxes and living environment, with quality of workforce continuing to improve year over year.

Companies with a headquarters or a strong presence in Florida include Tupperware, Boar's Head, Elizabeth Arden, Rooms to Go, International Speedway, Planet Hollywood and Burger King.

With their ocean ports and other strong transportation options, Southeast states dominated the top 5 ranking this year:

2      Florida
3      North Carolina
4      Tennessee
5      Georgia
7      Louisiana

State governments use the survey results to help determine how to improve their regulatory environment to attract more businesses, while corporations use the data to decide where to build facilities and attract vibrant workforces.

In addition to CEO ratings for taxation and regulation, workforce quality, and living environment, state data is also reported on GDP, unemployment, domestic migration, and state/local tax burden.

For complete results, including individual state rankings, CEO comments, methodology and more, please visit http://chiefexecutive.net/best-worst-states-business/2015/.

About Chief Executive
Chief Executive Group produces Chief Executive magazine (published since 1977)—the definitive source that CEOs turn to for insight and ideas that help increase their effectiveness and grow their business—ChiefExecutive.net, and conferences, roundtables and networks that enable top corporate officers to discuss key subjects and share their experiences within a community of peers. The Group also facilitates the annual "Chief Executive of the Year," a prestigious honor bestowed upon an outstanding corporate leader, nominated and selected by a group of peers. Visit www.chiefexecutive.net for more information.

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SOURCE Chief Executive Group