Sarasota County, Florida, boasts a diverse and thriving economy driven by several key industries. Below is an overview of the top 50 industries, sub-industries, categories, business groups, and significant employers that contribute to the region’s economic landscape.
1. Healthcare
- Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System: Largest employer in the county, offering comprehensive medical services.
- HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital: Top-rated by CMS, providing extensive healthcare services.
- Life Sciences: Significant R&D presence, positioning Florida prominently in medical devices and pharmaceuticals12.
2. Information Technology
- Infotech: Includes companies specializing in software development, IT services, and tech solutions1.
3. Financial and Professional Services
- Financial Services: Encompasses banks, investment firms, insurance companies, and accounting services.
- Professional Services: Legal firms, consulting agencies, and business management services1.
4. Manufacturing
- PGT Innovations: A leading manufacturer of impact-resistant windows and doors.
- Sun Hydraulics: Specializes in hydraulic valve manufacturing.
- Top Manufacturing Companies: PepsiCo, GE, Dentsply Sirona, Sherwin-Williams, Carrier, and Hollister Co.23.
5. Tourism and Hospitality
- Tourism: Driven by Sarasota’s pristine beaches, cultural institutions, and tourism services1.
- Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues play a vital role in attracting visitors4.
6. Real Estate and Construction
- Real Estate Development: Includes residential and commercial real estate development.
- Construction Services: Companies involved in building infrastructure, homes, and commercial properties2.
7. Retail Trade
- Major Retail Chains: Large presence of national and local retail stores, shopping centers, and malls.
8. Agriculture and Food Production
- Tropicana: Prominent producer of fruit juices, particularly orange juice, based in nearby Bradenton3.
9. Education
- Educational Institutions: Public and private schools, colleges, and universities providing educational services.
10. Arts and Culture
- Cultural Institutions: Museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues contributing to the vibrant cultural scene4.
11. Transportation and Logistics
- Transportation Services: Includes public transportation, logistics companies, and freight services.
12. Environmental Services
- Environmental Consulting: Firms specializing in ecological conservation, environmental engineering, and sustainability practices.
13. Energy
- Renewable Energy: Solar energy companies and other renewable energy providers are increasingly prominent.
14. Telecommunications
- Telecom Providers: Companies offering telecommunication services, including mobile and internet services.
15. Non-Profit Organizations
- Non-Profits: Numerous organizations focused on social services, community development, and charitable activities.
16. Government and Public Administration
- Government Services: County and municipal government offices providing public services and administration.
17. Marine and Boating
- Marine Services: Companies offering boat manufacturing, sales, and marine repair services.
18. Automotive Services
- Auto Dealers and Mechanics: Car dealerships, repair shops, and automotive service providers.
19. Fitness and Recreation
- Recreational Facilities: Gyms, fitness centers, and recreational sports facilities.
20. Publishing and Media
- Media Outlets: Newspapers, magazines, radio, and television stations providing news and entertainment content.
21. Biotechnology
- Biotech Firms: Companies researching and developing biotechnological solutions for healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability1.
22. Wholesale Trade
- Distributors: Companies involved in the wholesale distribution of various products, including industrial goods, consumer products, and raw materials2.
23. Legal Services
- Law Firms: A robust presence of legal service providers specializing in different areas, including corporate law, family law, and real estate law.
24. Insurance
- Insurance Providers: Companies offering a range of insurance services, such as health, property, casualty, and life insurance.
25. Public Safety
- Emergency Services: Fire departments, police services, and emergency medical services ensuring public safety and security.
26. Sports and Recreation
- Sports Teams and Facilities: Includes local sports teams, recreational sports leagues, and sports facilities.
27. Engineering and Architecture
- Engineering Firms: Companies providing engineering consulting and design services.
- Architectural Firms: Firms specializing in architectural design and planning3.
28. Human Resources and Staffing
- Staffing Agencies: Companies providing recruitment, temporary staffing, and human resources consulting services.
29. Printing and Publishing
- Printing Services: Businesses specialized in printing services for commercial and personal needs.
- Publishing Houses: Local publishers producing books, magazines, and digital content.
30. Fashion and Apparel
- Clothing Retailers: Boutiques and chain stores selling fashion and apparel for various demographics.
31. Food and Beverage Services
- Restaurants and Cafes: A diverse array of dining establishments ranging from fine dining to casual eateries.
- Breweries and Wineries: Local craft breweries and wineries contributing to the food and beverage scene4.
32. Pet Services
- Veterinary Clinics: Providing medical services for pets.
- Pet Grooming and Boarding: Services catering to pet grooming and boarding needs.
33. Home Services
- Home Improvement: Companies providing home renovation, landscaping, and maintenance services.
- Cleaning Services: Residential and commercial cleaning service providers.
34. Event Planning and Management
- Event Planners: Companies and professionals specializing in organizing events, weddings, and corporate functions.
35. Marketing and Advertising
- Marketing Agencies: Agencies offering digital marketing, advertising, and branding services.
- Public Relations Firms: Firms specializing in managing public image and media relations3.
36. Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
- Aerospace: Companies involved in the production of aircraft and aerospace components.
- Automotive Manufacturing: Manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories.
37. Consulting Services
- Business Consultants: Firms offering business strategy, management consulting, and operational improvement services.
38. Freelance and Gig Economy
- Freelancers: Independent professionals offering a wide range of services, including writing, graphic design, and programming.
39. Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Beauty Salons: Hair salons, spas, and wellness centers providing beauty and personal care services.
- Cosmetic Products: Companies manufacturing and retailing beauty and personal care products.
40. Security Services
- Private Security Firms: Companies providing private security services for businesses and individuals.
41. Logistics and Supply Chain
- Warehousing: Distribution centers and warehouses facilitating logistics and supply chain management.
42. E-commerce
- Online Retailers: Businesses engaged in online sales of goods and services.
43. Pharmaceuticals
- Pharma Companies: Pharmaceutical companies involved in drug development and distribution1.
44. Renewable Energy
- Solar Power: Companies specializing in solar power installations and renewable energy solutions.
45. Waste Management
- Recycling Services: Businesses providing waste management and recycling services.
46. Textile Manufacturing
- Textile Mills: Companies involved in the production of fabrics and textiles.
47. Entertainment and Media
- Production Studios: Film and television production studios.
- Media Production: Companies creating content for digital platforms, radio, and TV2.
48. Television and Radio Broadcasting
- Local Stations: Television and radio stations providing news, entertainment, and educational content.
49. Automotive Sales
- Car Dealerships: Dealerships offering new and used vehicles for sale.
- Auto Parts Retailers: Stores selling automotive parts and accessories.
50. Fitness and Wellness
- Health Clubs: Gyms and fitness centers offering workout facilities and classes.
- Wellness Centers: Centers focusing on holistic health and wellness services4.
These industries collectively support the vibrant economy of Sarasota County, offering a broad spectrum of employment opportunities across various sectors. This extensive list highlights the diversity and strength of Sarasota County’s economy. For job seekers, these sectors offer numerous employment opportunities, from healthcare and technology to manufacturing and tourism.
