To read Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs’ letter, click here.

Created in 1988 as one of the first county charter governments in Florida, Orange County has a “strong mayor” form of government, led by an elected, non-partisan Mayor who oversees the annual $3.6billion budget and is served by six district-elected commissioners. Today, Orange County is home to more than 1.2 million residents and welcomes more than 62 million visitors from around the world annually.

Orange County Government has 80 divisions and 7,782 employees and covers 1,003.26 square miles, of which 903 square miles are land and 99 square miles are water. The county is home to the University of Central Florida, (UCF), the second largest university in the nation, and is the number one, world-wide destination for relocation, tourism and travel, generating more than $225 million in tourist development taxes.

About Orange County’s dynamic economy

Orange County’s dynamic economy is anchored by strong tourism and hospitality sectors, a robust Modeling, Simulation and Training (MS&T) cluster, a thriving biotechnology and life science research hub, cutting-edge film and digital media training facilities, and exciting arts and cultural venues.

The region’s MS&T sector, strong life science and tech industries have already made a profound impact on the creation of high-wage and high-value jobs in Central Florida.

Lake Nona Medical City and its life science sector also play an significant role in the development of the economy creating nearly 30,000 jobs with $2.8 billion in annual wages, generating $460 million in annual tax revenue and spurring $7.6 billion in annual economic activity for the region.

Building upon the successes of the world-class theme parks and professional sports teams like the Orlando Magic and the Orlando City Soccer Club and the new women’s national soccer team – Orlando Pride, Major League Soccer’s (MLS) newest expansion team, Orange County continues to transform the future with Central Florida’s new commuter rail system, SunRail; the new SimLEARN National Simulation Center; the opening of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts; and soon, a soccer-centric stadium that will house the league’s 21st club.

Since 2010, Orange County has experienced a steady and dramatic decline in the unemployment rate from 11.3 percent to 4.2 percent – representing 90,335 new jobs created. Citing the region’s median average salary and a 5.8 percent unemployment rate, Orange County’s City of Orlando is ranked No. 1 on Forbes for job growth as one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.

Home to the eleventh largest public school district in the nation as well as the presence of UCF, Rollins College and other colleges and universities, Orange County offers extraordinary educational opportunities that provide unparalleled undergraduate, graduate and doctoral program options.

World famous attractions, the nation’s second largest convention center and year-round sunshine help make Central Florida a top relocation, business and vacation destination of families and professionals from all over the world.

To learn more about Orange County,
General Information
Orange County Public Schools
The Orlando Economic Partnership
Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce

Orange County Map (PDF)

Orange County Data Sheet (PDF)

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