Under this provision, both the closed shop and the union shop are prohibited. There are also four major colleges and universities in the area and the University of Florida, with its renowned research and advanced degree programs, is only 69 miles away. In addition, companies have access to well established training centers and educational facilities. Their facilities, combined with the State of Florida's Quick response Training Program, provide rapid, effective start-up recruiting and training tailored to specific company needs. The Jacksonville area has a very attractive tax structure.
Corporations are free from a tax inventory and there is no corporate franchise tax on capital stock.
And, of course, there is no personal income tax in Florida. The American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association Cost of Living Index ranks Jacksonville as the lowest among the five major MSAs' in Florida and lower than numerous peer cities in the southern United States. Contribution to that low overall cost is the cost of housing. The National Association of Home Builders' Housing Opportunity Index features Jacksonville as the least expensive housing market in Florida among cities with population of 500,000 and one of the lowest in the entire country. Jacksonville is home to a branch of the prestigious Mayo Clinic and several major regional medical centers.