Business

Jackson County’s roots are largely agricultural, as the state’s leading producer of soybeans and peanuts.

It is the largest agricultural producing county in Florida, with a growing season lasting about 260 days, with about 75 to 125 frost days.

Agricultural tourism is a growing industry in the area, and the county is rapidly becoming an inland hub for Northwest Florida, offering proximity, infrastructure and work force for companies looking to relocate.

The county also is the only bull testing facility in the state.

Other major private business industries in Jackson County include those in the manufacturing, distribution, construction, health care, education, service, and retail sectors.

Government and non-profit institutions such schools, hospitals and prisons round out the economic landscape.

Jackson County is accessible by three major highways: U.S. Highway 231 and 90 and Interstate 10. Marianna which is the county seat and the largest city in the county, is 65 miles west of the State Capitol, Tallahassee; 54 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico and Panama City; and 35 miles south of Dothan, Alabama.

Marianna Municipal Airport serves charter and private aircraft; maintenance and transit services are available. Within an hour of Marianna are two regional and one international airport with scheduled airline service.

Tallahassee Regional Airport
Panama City-Bay County International Airport
Dothan Regional Airport

Transport networks provide quick access via: U.S. Highway 231 north-south, Interstate 10 and U.S. 90 east-west; and railroads north-south and east-west. Panama City has a deep water port and Amtrak and Greyhound Bus Lines service the area. Jackson County has a public bus, operated by JTrans. The regular route runs east-west through the greater Marianna Area. Routes and Stops are marked by signs and benches are available for patrons.

Apartments generally rent in a range of $200-$500 monthly while houses typically range from $200-$700 monthly. New homes range from $30,000-$300,000 (housing costs in Jackson County are among the lowest on average in Florida).

Jackson County boasts a large number of hotel rooms for overnight and short term stays. We also have several shopping centers, downtown shopping, and one outlet complex provide a retail variety. When dinner hour approaches, there are plenty of options available to keep your taste buds happy. Restaurants in the county offer a variety of cuisine including: southern, southwestern, mexican, chinese, italian, national chains and local eateries.