Volusia County sees growth in commercial permits and small business job creation

Volusia County is witnessing a steady growth in commercial construction, as highlighted during the recent government meeting on February 14, 2025. The discussion centered around commercial permitting trends, revealing a slight upward trajectory in activity since 2020, despite some fluctuations. A significant contributor to this growth is the Amazon facility, which has played a pivotal role in the early data from 2022.

County officials emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure to support the growing community, including educational facilities and essential services like fire stations. Notably, multifamily housing and storage facilities accounted for about 50% of all permitting activity in 2024, reflecting the needs of new residents.

In contrast, residential permitting showed a slight decline, attributed to high mortgage interest rates and rising property values. This trend indicates a cautious approach among potential homebuyers.

Employment figures also sparked concern, with a slight decrease noted for the first time since the pandemic. However, optimism remains high as major projects, including new developments from Amazon, AdventHealth, and Boeing, are expected to create thousands of jobs in the near future. The meeting underscored the efforts of Team Volusia and the CEO Business Alliance in attracting these businesses, which are crucial for the county's economic resilience.

The discussion also highlighted the significant role of small businesses and startups in the local economy. In 2024, Florida saw an average of 52,800 new businesses created monthly, contributing substantially to job growth. Since the pandemic, small businesses have accounted for 70% of all new jobs, underscoring their importance in the economic landscape.

Overall, the meeting painted a picture of a community poised for growth, with strategic investments and a focus on supporting small businesses set to drive future employment and economic stability in Volusia County.