Grow Your Business in Okeechobee
You built your business here. We want to help you grow it here.
Whether you're adding employees, purchasing equipment, expanding your facility, looking for additional space or facing a challenge that could affect your business, we can help coordinate the resources you need.
For companies already operating in Okeechobee, the advantages of expanding locally are clear: familiarity with the community, proximity to current operations, and an environment that supports long-term growth. Add in a pro-business climate, a reliable infrastructure network, and a deepening talent pool, and it becomes easy to see why so many local employers choose to expand here.
Our team provides hands-on support tailored to existing legacy businesses, particularly those operating within the county’s targeted industry sectors. Whether you are expanding your footprint, adding employees, or introducing a new product line, we are here working alongside qualifying companies to help projects move forward efficiently. Acting as an extension of your leadership team, we assist with site evaluation, permitting coordination, workforce program connections, and access to applicable state and regional resources. Our focus is to support strategic growth that aligns with Okeechobee’s economic development priorities while minimizing obstacles and accelerating timelines.
As an established business, you know what you need to thrive, and we are equipped to meet those needs. Our team can help secure workforce training grants, explore local or state incentives, and ensure your expansion aligns with utility and infrastructure capabilities. We also facilitate introductions to partners in education, permitting, and finance, so you’re never navigating growth alone. For companies taking on complex projects or facility buildouts, this support can be the difference between delay and momentum.
Whether you’re building new, expanding on existing property, or seeking a second location, we can help you identify viable real estate options. By clicking here, you can explore a real estate database and interactive map tool, allowing you to filter by acreage, zoning, utilities, and other key criteria. This tool gives your team a head start on evaluating available properties, and we are always available to help with deeper due diligence, site tours, and development coordination.
Growth is just one part of your long-term business journey. That’s why we continue to support companies well after the ribbon-cutting. Whether it’s connecting you to talent pipelines, helping you market your expansion, or assisting with ongoing operational needs, our team remains invested in your success. In Okeechobee, business expansion isn’t just encouraged. It’s actively supported with relationships, resources, and a shared vision for prosperity.
Planning an expansion? Start here.
Growing your business can involve a lot of moving pieces. Whether you are expanding your current facility, searching for a larger location, adding a new operation, purchasing equipment, or preparing to add jobs, we can help you navigate the process and connect you with the right resources.
Our team works with Okeechobee legacy businesses to help coordinate expansion projects, identify potential challenges early, and connect business owners with local, regional, and state partners. Depending on your project, we can assist with:
- Sites & Buildings – Identify available commercial and industrial properties, expansion sites, and buildings that meet your operational needs. Click here to start exploring properties available in Okeechobee.
- Expansion Planning – Discuss your project, timeline, investment, job creation, and other needs to help identify available resources and next steps.
- Permitting & Development Coordination – Help connect you with the appropriate City or County departments and coordinate conversations related to zoning, permitting, development review, and other project requirements.
- Infrastructure & Utilities – Help evaluate water, sewer, electric, broadband, transportation access, and other infrastructure considerations that may impact your expansion.
- Financing & Capital Resources – Connect you with financing programs, small business resources, lenders, and other organizations that may support your investment.
Considering an expansion? Talk with us early in the process. An initial conversation can help identify resources, potential project considerations, and the right partners before significant investment decisions are made.
Need workers or training? We can help connect you to the right resources.
Finding, developing, and retaining a skilled workforce is essential to business growth. Our team works with Okeechobee employers and our workforce and education partners to help address hiring and training needs. Whether you need to fill current positions, prepare employees for new technology or equipment, or better understand the local labor market, we can help identify resources and make the right connections.
Depending on your needs, workforce assistance may include:
- Recruitment & Hiring Assistance – Connect with workforce partners who can help promote job openings, identify candidates, and support your recruitment efforts.
- Employee Training – Bring businesses together with workforce and training partners that offer customized training, industry certifications, skills development, and potential funding assistance to help offset eligible training costs.
- Labor Market Information – Access data on occupations, wages, employment trends, workforce availability, and other information to support hiring, compensation, and expansion decisions.
- CareerSource Heartland – Access employer services, recruitment assistance, workforce programs, hiring support, and available training resources. Click here to learn more about CareerSource Heartland
- Indian River State College (IRSC) – Connect with education and training programs that can help develop the skills your business needs today and in the future. Click here to learn more about IRSC.
- Hiring Events – Coordinate with workforce and community partners to promote hiring opportunities and connect employers with potential employees.
Building a Stronger Local Talent Pipeline
The OCEDC partners with the Okeechobee County School District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program to help strengthen the connection between local businesses and the future workforce. By engaging employers with CTE programs, we can help align career awareness, industry exposure, and skill development with the needs of Okeechobee’s business community. These partnerships give businesses an opportunity to connect with emerging talent while helping students better understand local career pathways and the skills employers are looking for.
Not sure which workforce program fits your needs? Start with us! Tell us about the positions, skills, or training needs you are facing, and we can help connect you with the appropriate workforce, education, and training partners.
Looking for capital or assistance? Start by exploring the resources available to support your business investment.
Access to capital can be an important part of starting, expanding, or investing in your business. Our team can help Okeechobee businesses identify financing resources and potential incentive programs that may support eligible projects. Because funding programs and eligibility requirements vary, our team can help you understand available options and connect you with the appropriate local, regional, and state partners.
Depending on your business and project, resources may include:
- Local & State Incentives – Explore incentive programs that may be available for qualifying projects based on factors such as job creation, wages, capital investment, industry, and location.
- Grants & Business Assistance Programs – Help to identify grant opportunities and other assistance programs that may be available through local, state, or federal initiatives.
- Loans & Financing – Connect with traditional and alternative financing resources for needs such as real estate, equipment, working capital, and business expansion.
- State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) – Learn about Florida's SSBCI programs designed to increase access to capital for eligible small businesses through participating lenders and investment programs. Click here to begin exploring funding programs.
- Florida SBDC at IRSC – Access no-cost, confidential business consulting to help with financial analysis, business planning, access-to-capital strategies, loan preparation, and other financial considerations. Click here to learn more about SBDC services available.
Considering a significant investment or expansion? Contact us early in the process. Some incentive programs require businesses to apply or receive approval before making certain commitments or beginning a project. We can help identify potential resources, review your project needs, and connect you with the appropriate organizations.
Need help navigating a project? We can help you make the right connections.
Whether you are expanding an existing facility, purchasing property, building a new location, or considering improvements to your current site, understanding development requirements early can help keep your project moving. Our team serves as a resource and connector for Okeechobee businesses, helping coordinate conversations with the appropriate local departments, utility providers, and development partners.
Depending on your project, we can assist with:
- Zoning & Land Use – Help you identify the appropriate contacts and understand zoning, land-use, and development considerations for a potential site or expansion.
- Permitting Coordination – Connect you with City or County permitting and development staff and help facilitate conversations about project requirements, processes, and timelines.
- Property & Site Search – Assist with identifying available commercial or industrial sites and buildings that align with your location, acreage, facility, access, and infrastructure needs. Click here to access an interactive map of available properties in the area.
- Utilities & Infrastructure – Help coordinate discussions regarding water, sewer, electric, broadband, transportation access, and other infrastructure needs that may impact your project.
- Development Contacts – Connect you with the appropriate government agencies, utilities, and other partners involved in your project.
- Project Coordination – For business expansion and economic development projects, we can help bring the right partners to the table, identify potential issues early, and facilitate communication as your project moves forward.
Planning a facility expansion, relocation, or new development? Talk with us early. We can help you evaluate your needs, identify the appropriate resources and contacts, and better understand the steps involved before significant project decisions are made.
Need help solving a business challenge? You don’t have to navigate it alone.
Running and growing a business comes with challenges that extend well beyond day-to-day operations. Whether you are working through a growth decision, developing a new strategy, reaching new customers, preparing for a transition, or looking for specialized expertise, our team can connect Okeechobee businesses with experienced partners and resources designed to help.
Depending on your needs, business assistance may include:
- Florida SBDC at IRSC – Access no-cost, confidential consulting and specialized assistance in areas such as business planning, financial management, growth strategy, marketing, and access to capital. Click here to learn more about SBDC services available.
- Strategic Planning – Access guidance to evaluate business goals, growth opportunities, operational challenges, and long-term strategies.
- Succession & Transition Planning – Connect with resources that can help business owners prepare for ownership transitions, succession, or the future sale of a business.
- Exporting & International Trade – Connect with SelectFlorida and other international trade resources that can help businesses assess export readiness, identify international markets and opportunities, access market research, participate in trade missions and events, and navigate the export process. Click here to explore SelectFlorida further.
- Government Contracting & Procurement – Connect with programs that can help your business understand certification, procurement, and contracting opportunities with local, state, and federal government agencies.
- Technology & Innovation – Identify resources to help improve productivity, adopt new technologies, strengthen operations, and prepare your business for changing industry needs.
- Subject Matter Experts & Industry-Focused Roundtables – Some business challenges are best addressed by bringing the right people to the table. We are able to connect businesses with subject matter experts and convene industry-focused roundtables around shared challenges, emerging opportunities, and topics important to Okeechobee employers. These conversations provide an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from experienced professionals and industry peers, identify resources, and work collaboratively toward practical solutions.
Business Advocacy & Problem Solving – Sometimes the challenge doesn't fit neatly into a program or service. If your business is facing an issue that could affect its ability to operate, invest, retain employees, or expand in Okeechobee, contact us. We can help identify the issue, bring the appropriate partners to the table, and work collaboratively toward potential solutions.
Not sure what type of assistance you need? Start right here. Tell us about the challenge or opportunity your business is facing, and we can help identify the right resource, make the connection, and help you determine your next step.
Need information to make a business decision? Start with the data.
Good decisions require reliable information. Whether you are considering an expansion, evaluating workforce availability, setting wages, exploring a new market, or preparing a business plan, we can help you access data and research specific to Okeechobee and the surrounding region. We draw from trusted local, state, and federal sources to help businesses better understand the market and make informed decisions.
Business data and research resources may include:
- Workforce & Labor Market – Explore labor force size, employment, unemployment, occupations, workforce availability, and talent trends.
- Wages & Occupations – Review wage and occupational data to support hiring, compensation, workforce planning, and expansion decisions.
- Demographics – Access information on population, age, income, education, households, and other characteristics of Okeechobee County and the surrounding market.
- Industry & Employment Trends – Understand Okeechobee’s industry composition, major employment sectors, business activity, and emerging opportunities.
- Market Data – Access information that can help evaluate customers, competitors, consumer characteristics, and potential market opportunities.
- Commuting & Labor Shed – Better understand where Okeechobee’s workforce lives and works, commuting patterns, and the broader regional labor pool available to employers.
- Economic Trends – Review indicators such as population growth, employment, wages, housing, business activity, and other trends affecting Okeechobee’s economy.
Need data for a specific project or business decision? Contact us. We can help identify the most relevant information, connect you with trusted data sources, and provide local context to help you better understand what the numbers mean for your business.
Not Sure Which Resource Is Right for Your Business?
You don't have to navigate these resources on your own. Whether you're looking for workforce solutions, training, financing, disaster recovery assistance, permitting information, business expertise, or connections within the community, our team can help you identify the right place to start.
Tell us what your business is working through or where you want to go next. We'll help identify the appropriate resources, make connections when needed, and help you navigate the next step.
We're here to help connect your business to the people, programs, and resources that can help move it forward.
Business Consulting
Florida SBDC at Indian River State College (IRSC)
The Florida SBDC at IRSC provides no-cost, confidential consulting and specialized business assistance to businesses throughout Okeechobee. Existing businesses can work with SBDC consultants on strategic planning, financial analysis and access to capital, marketing and market research, growth strategies, government contracting, international trade, disaster preparedness and recovery, manufacturing resources, and other business challenges.
Phone: (772) 336-6285
Website: Florida SBDC at IRSC
Request Assistance: Request SBDC Consulting
Diaster Preparedness & Recovery
Okeechobee County Emergency Management
Okeechobee County Emergency Management is the local source for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery information. Businesses can use this resource for local emergency updates, storm and disaster preparedness information, evacuation and shelter information, recovery updates, and connections to additional local, state, and federal resources during an emergency.
Phone: (863) 763-3212
Website: Okeechobee County Emergency Management
Florida SBDC – Disaster Preparedness & Recovery
The Florida SBDC helps businesses prepare for disruptions and navigate the recovery process following a disaster. Assistance can include business continuity and emergency planning, identifying available recovery resources, and one-on-one guidance with disaster loan applications and other recovery programs that may become available following an event.
Phone: (772) 336-6285 (Florida SBDC at IRSC)
Website: Florida SBDC Disaster Preparedness & Recovery
Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)
The Florida Division of Emergency Management coordinates the state's disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. Businesses can use Florida Disaster resources to monitor statewide emergency information, prepare for hurricanes and other hazards, access recovery information, and locate state resources activated following a disaster.
Phone: (850) 815-4000
Website: Florida Division of Emergency Management
FloridaCommerce – Business Disaster Recovery
FloridaCommerce helps coordinate business and economic recovery resources following disasters affecting Florida communities. Businesses may be directed here for business damage assessments, recovery information, workforce-related assistance, and information about state programs activated following a qualifying disaster, including emergency financing programs when available.
Phone: (850) 245-7105
Website: FloridaCommerce
Note: Some FloridaCommerce disaster assistance programs are activated only following specific disasters or emergency declarations.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Disaster Assistance
The SBA provides federal disaster financing and recovery assistance following eligible declared disasters. Depending on the event and eligibility, businesses may be able to access SBA disaster loans to repair or replace damaged business property, equipment, inventory, and other assets, as well as Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help address qualifying economic losses.
Phone: 1-800-659-2955
Website: SBA Disaster Assistance
FEMA
FEMA coordinates federal disaster response and recovery and provides information about federal disaster declarations, Disaster Recovery Centers, preparedness, mitigation, and available recovery assistance. Businesses can use FEMA resources to understand the federal response following a declared disaster and locate recovery resources available within an affected community.
For business-specific disaster financing, businesses will generally be directed to the U.S. Small Business Administration's disaster assistance programs.
Phone: 1-800-621-3362
Website: FEMA Disaster Assistance
Workforce Development & Training
CareerSource Heartland
CareerSource Heartland is Okeechobee County's primary workforce development partner, helping employers recruit, train, and retain employees. Businesses can access assistance with job postings, candidate recruitment and screening, Employ Florida, labor market information, On-the-Job Training (OJT), and workforce training programs that may help offset eligible employee training costs.
CareerSource Heartland also operates an Okeechobee Career Center, giving local businesses direct access to workforce services and recruitment assistance.
Okeechobee Career Center: 207 SW Park Street, Okeechobee, FL 34972
Phone: (863) 610-6000
Website: CareerSource Heartland
Employer Resources: Explore Employer Services & Workforce Programs
Indian River State College (IRSC)
Indian River State College works with employers to develop workforce training and talent-development solutions that address current and future skill needs. Businesses can explore customized workforce training, employee upskilling and reskilling, leadership development, technical training, industry certifications, apprenticeships, and other programs designed to strengthen the local workforce.
IRSC also serves as an important talent pipeline for Okeechobee employers through its degree, certificate, career and technical education programs.
Phone: (772) 462-4772
Website: Indian River State College
Employer Training: IRSC Customized Workforce Training
Employ Florida
Employ Florida is the state's online workforce marketplace connecting Florida employers with job seekers and workforce information. Businesses can post job openings, search résumés, identify potential candidates, access labor market information, and use workforce data to support recruiting and hiring decisions.
Okeechobee businesses that need assistance navigating Employ Florida or developing a recruitment strategy can also connect with CareerSource Heartland for local support.
Employer Assistance: 1-800-438-4128
Website: Employ Florida
Okeechobee County School District – Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Okeechobee County Schools' Career and Technical Education programs help develop Okeechobee's future workforce by connecting students with career pathways, technical skills, industry credentials, and real-world career experiences.
Local businesses can engage with CTE programs to help students better understand local career opportunities and the skills employers need. Depending on the program and opportunity, employer engagement may include career awareness activities, work-based learning, industry input, mentorship, job shadowing, internships, and other connections between students and Okeechobee's business community.
For employers, participating in CTE isn't just an investment in students—it's an opportunity to help build a stronger local talent pipeline for the future.
Phone: (863) 462-5000
Website: Okeechobee County School District - CTE Programs
Financial Resources & Access to Capital
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps businesses explore financing options through SBA-backed loan programs and participating lenders. Programs include SBA 7(a) loans for a variety of business needs, 504 loans for major fixed assets such as real estate and equipment, and microloans for smaller financing needs.
Businesses can use SBA-backed financing for eligible needs such as working capital, equipment purchases, business acquisitions, real estate, facility improvements, and expansion projects. The SBA also provides resources related to government contracting, business counseling, and disaster recovery.
Phone: 1-800-827-5722
Website: U.S. Small Business Administration
Business Financing: Explore SBA Loan Programs
USDA Rural Development – Business Programs
USDA Rural Development offers financing and technical-assistance programs designed to support business growth and economic development in eligible rural communities. Depending on the business, project, location, and program requirements, resources may include loan guarantees, loans, grants, energy-related programs, and other rural business-development assistance.
For Okeechobee businesses, USDA Rural Development may be particularly valuable when exploring business expansion, facility or equipment investments, rural infrastructure, energy improvements, and projects that support job creation and economic development.
Eligibility and funding availability vary significantly by program, and some USDA grants are made to eligible public or nonprofit entities rather than directly to individual businesses.
Florida Rural Development State Office: (352) 338-3400
Website: USDA Rural Development Florida
Business Financing: Explore USDA Rural Development Business Programs
Florida SBDC – Capital Access
The Florida SBDC helps businesses understand their financing needs, evaluate potential sources of capital, and prepare to approach lenders and other financing partners. Consultants can assist with financial analysis, business and growth planning, financial projections, loan-package preparation, and identifying financing options that may fit the business and project.
The SBDC does not provide the loan itself. Instead, its consultants can help businesses become better prepared for financing conversations and connect them with appropriate lenders and capital resources.
For Okeechobee businesses, these services are available through the Florida SBDC at Indian River State College (IRSC).
Phone: (772) 336-6285
Website: Florida SBDC at IRSC
Capital Assistance: Explore Florida SBDC Capital Access Services
Business & Community Resources
Open MyFlorida Business | Starting a business
Open MyFlorida Business is Florida's online business information portal designed to help businesses navigate state requirements, licenses, registrations, regulations, and industry-specific requirements. Businesses can use the interactive eGuide to identify requirements that may apply when starting, operating, or expanding a business in Florida.
Website: Open MyFlorida Business
Business eGuide: Explore Florida Business Requirements
Central Florida Regional Planning Council (CFRPC)
The Central Florida Regional Planning Council supports regional economic development, planning, infrastructure, resiliency, and intergovernmental coordination across the Heartland region, including Okeechobee County. Businesses and community partners may use CFRPC resources for regional economic and demographic data, planning initiatives, resiliency efforts, and information related to regional economic-development priorities.
Phone: (863) 534-7130
Website: Central Florida Regional Planning Council
SelectFlorida
SelectFlorida is Florida's official international commerce organization and helps Florida businesses explore and expand into international markets. Businesses can connect with trade professionals for export counseling, international market research, export readiness assistance, international business connections, trade shows and missions, and information about eligible export grants and programs.
For Okeechobee businesses interested in exporting, SelectFlorida can be an important connection for identifying potential markets and understanding the international trade process.
Phone: (305) 808-3660
Website: SelectFlorida
International Trade Assistance: Find a SelectFlorida Trade Office
Florida's Heartland Regional Economic Region of Opportunity (FHERO)
Florida's Heartland Regional Economic Region of Opportunity brings together Okeechobee and neighboring rural counties to strengthen regional economic competitiveness and economic-development opportunities. FHERO works collaboratively on issues affecting the Heartland region, including economic development, infrastructure, workforce, business growth, rural advocacy, and other initiatives that benefit the regional economy.
For businesses, FHERO is especially relevant when a project, challenge, or opportunity involves regional or rural economic-development resources and coordination beyond Okeechobee County.
Phone: (863) 385-4900
Website: Florida's Heartland Regional Economic Region of Opportunity
Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County
The Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County helps businesses build relationships, increase visibility, and become more connected within the local business community. Members can access networking opportunities, business events, educational programs, referrals, leadership development, promotional opportunities, and connections with other local businesses and community leaders.
Businesses looking to grow their local network or become more engaged in Okeechobee's business community can use the Chamber as an important connection point.
Phone: (863) 467-6246
Website: Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County
Okeechobee Main Street
Okeechobee Main Street supports the economic vitality and continued revitalization of Okeechobee's downtown area through business engagement, promotion, events, design, historic preservation, arts and culture, and placemaking initiatives.
Downtown businesses can connect with Main Street to become involved in community events and promotions, downtown improvement efforts, collaborative initiatives, and programs that help strengthen downtown as a destination for residents, visitors, and businesses.
Phone: (863) 357-6246
Website: Okeechobee Main Street
About Main Street: Learn About Okeechobee Main Street's Programs
Okeechobee County Tourist Development Council / Visit Okeechobee County
The Okeechobee County Tourist Development Council supports the growth and promotion of Okeechobee's tourism and visitor economy. Visit Okeechobee County serves as the destination-facing resource promoting local attractions, outdoor recreation, accommodations, events, dining, and experiences.
Hospitality, lodging, attractions, event organizers, outdoor recreation businesses, and other tourism-related businesses can use these resources for tourism marketing, visitor information, destination promotion, and connections within Okeechobee's tourism industry.
Phone: (863) 763-3959
Website: Visit Okeechobee County
County Government: Okeechobee County
Economic Council of Okeechobee
The Economic Council of Okeechobee is a private, nonpartisan organization of business and community leaders focused on issues affecting Okeechobee County's economy, business climate, and long-term future. The organization works through advocacy, collaboration, leadership, and engagement on economic and civic issues.
Businesses and industry leaders may connect with the Economic Council when they want to participate in broader conversations about Okeechobee's business environment, public policy, infrastructure, economic priorities, and community initiatives.
Website: Economic Council of Okeechobee
Local Government, Permitting & Property Resources
Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners
Okeechobee County government is the primary local-government resource for businesses and properties located in unincorporated Okeechobee County. Businesses may interact with the County for planning and zoning, building permits and inspections, development review, code requirements, infrastructure, and other County services that affect business operations or expansion projects.
Businesses planning a facility expansion, new construction, change of use, or other development project should consider connecting with the appropriate County department early in the planning process.
Phone: (863) 763-6441
Website: Okeechobee County Government
City of Okeechobee
Businesses and properties located within the City of Okeechobee may work with City government for planning and zoning, business tax requirements, development matters, permitting-related information, contracting opportunities, and other municipal services.
Businesses considering opening, relocating, renovating, or expanding within City limits can use the City's business and development resources to identify the appropriate departments and requirements for their project.
Phone: (863) 763-3372
Website: City of Okeechobee
Business Resources: City Business Resources & Directory
Okeechobee County Community Development & Permit Resources
Okeechobee County Community Development is an important resource for businesses undertaking construction, renovation, facility expansion, development, or changes to a property in unincorporated Okeechobee County. Businesses may use County resources for building permits, inspections, planning and zoning, development review, contractor requirements, and permit-related information.
For larger expansion projects, OCEDC can also help businesses identify the appropriate local contacts and facilitate early conversations about the project.
Phone: (863) 763-5548
Website: Okeechobee County Government
Okeechobee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
The Okeechobee County Clerk maintains official records, court records, recorded documents, and other public records. Businesses may use the Clerk's resources when researching deeds, liens, mortgages, recorded documents, court records, and other official information related to a business or property.
The Clerk is primarily a records resource; building permits and development approvals are handled through the appropriate City or County development departments.
Phone: (863) 763-2131
Website: Okeechobee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
Okeechobee County Property Appraiser
The Okeechobee County Property Appraiser provides property, parcel, ownership, assessed-value, sales, tangible personal property, and GIS information. Businesses can use these resources when researching a potential site or neighboring property, reviewing ownership information, evaluating property records, or obtaining information related to business tangible personal property.
This can be especially helpful for businesses evaluating facility expansion, property acquisition, or potential business locations.
Phone: (863) 763-4422
Website: Okeechobee County Property Appraiser
Okeechobee County Tax Collector
The Okeechobee County Tax Collector provides tax collection and other statutory services for residents and businesses. Businesses may use the office for property-tax information and payments, business-related tax services where applicable, and other state and county transactions administered by the Tax Collector.
For property-related questions, remember that the Property Appraiser determines assessed property values, while the Tax Collector collects the resulting property taxes.
Phone: (863) 763-3421
Website: Okeechobee County Tax Collector
Education & Training Resources
CareerSource Heartland
CareerSource Heartland connects Okeechobee businesses and residents with workforce training, career development, and employment resources. Businesses can work with CareerSource Heartland to identify training opportunities for new and existing employees, explore On-the-Job Training (OJT) and other eligible workforce funding programs, access labor-market information, and connect employees or prospective workers with career and skills training.
CareerSource Heartland can also help individuals explore career pathways, training opportunities, educational programs, and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) services that may provide eligible participants with assistance for occupational skills training.
Okeechobee Career Center: 207 SW Park Street, Okeechobee, FL 34972
Phone: (863) 610-6000
Website: CareerSource Heartland
Career & Training Resources: Explore CareerSource Heartland Services
Indian River State College (IRSC)
Indian River State College provides education, career training, industry credentials, continuing education, and customized workforce development for individuals and employers throughout the region.
Businesses can partner with IRSC to address employee training and skill-development needs through customized workforce training, continuing education, technical and industry-specific programs, leadership development, and other employer-focused solutions. IRSC's degree, certificate, career and technical programs also help develop a pipeline of qualified talent for local employers.
For Okeechobee businesses and residents, IRSC's Dixon Hendry Campus in Okeechobee provides local access to college programs and services.
Dixon Hendry Campus: 2229 NW 9th Avenue, Okeechobee, FL 34972
Phone: (863) 824-6000
Website: Indian River State College
Employer Training: IRSC Customized Workforce Training
Okeechobee County School District – Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Okeechobee County Schools' Career and Technical Education programs prepare students for local and regional career opportunities by combining academics with technical skills, career exploration, industry credentials, and hands-on learning experiences.
Local employers can become part of that process by connecting with CTE programs and helping students understand the careers and skills needed in today's workplace. Opportunities for employer involvement may include career exploration, classroom and industry engagement, mentorship, job shadowing, work-based learning, internships, and providing industry input on workforce needs, depending on the program and available opportunities.
For businesses, engagement with CTE provides an opportunity to build awareness of local careers, connect with emerging talent, and help strengthen Okeechobee's future workforce pipeline.
Phone: (863) 462-5000
Website: Okeechobee County School District
Growth isn't the only time to call the OCEDC. If your business is facing workforce pressures, facility constraints, infrastructure challenges, rising operational barriers, ownership changes, or other issues that could affect your future in Okeechobee, we want to hear from you. Conversations with our BRE team allow us to better understand the challenge, identify potential resources, and bring the right partners to the table. Whatever the challenge, start with a conversation. We’re here to listen, make connections, and help you find a path forward.
Success Stories
Nexair Expands Into Okeechobee County Airport Commerce Park
Nexair LLC concluded its 9-lot business expansion project in the Okeechobee County Airport Commerce Park. Over a three-year period, this project generated significant economic impact for Okeechobee County, resulting in the retention of more than 100 existing jobs, the creation of over 10 new positions, and more than $3 million in private capital investment within the local community.
International Company Baunovo Selects Okeechobee
International company Baunovo/Bautec selects Okeechobee, FL for advanced manufaturing facility. Expansion plans coming soon!
