10 Reasons to Shop Local in Florida

Last Updated on November 24, 2021

We love shopping local in Florida! In fact, we’d like to shout from the summit of Britton Hill, the state’s highest point (345 feet): SHOP LOCAL IN FLORIDA!

Why Shop Local in Florida

Photo of a shop local sign on a store window

Here’s what happens when you “shop local” and encourage others to do the same.

Why Shop Local in Florida
More of Your Money is Kept in Your Local Economy
You Create Local Jobs
You Help the Environment
You Nurture Your Community
You Conserve Your Tax Dollars
You Create More Choices
You Take Advantage of Their Expertise
You Invest in Entrepreneurship
You Make Your Community a Destination

More of Your Money is Kept in Your Local Economy

For every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community. What happens when you spend that same $100 at a national chain? Only $43 stays in the community.*

*Source: Civic Economics – Andersonville Study of Retail Economics.

You Embrace What Makes Your Community Unique

You wouldn’t want your house to look like everyone else’s because you have your own tastes and preferences.

So why would you want your community to look like any other generic community in the United States? It’s great when a community comes together.

You Create Local Jobs

Local businesses are better at creating higher-paying jobs for your neighbors.

When you shop locally, you help create jobs for teachers, firemen, police officers, and other essential professions.

You Help the Environment

Buying from a locally owned business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging.

You Nurture Your Community

Beans and tomatoes and beans at a farmers market.

Local business owners know you, and you know them.

In fact, studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains.

You Conserve Your Tax Dollars

Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and also more money available to beautify your community.

Also, spending locally ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong— in your community!

You Create More Choices

Man holding a piece of key lime pie covered in chocolate. — Photo Credit: Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe

Locally owned businesses pick the items and products they sell based on what they know you like and also want.

Local businesses carry a wider array of unique products because they buy for their own individual markets.

You Take Advantage of Their Expertise

Owner of Flamingo Clay Studios art in Lake Worth Beach — Flamingo Clay Studios in Lake Worth

You are their friends and neighbors, and locally owned businesses have a vested interest in also knowing how to serve you.

They’re passionate about what they do. Why not take advantage of it? It’s a win-win for all parties.

You Invest in Entrepreneurship

Creativity and entrepreneurship are what the American economy is founded upon.

Nurturing local businesses also ensures a strong community, which is important on many levels.

You Make Your Community a Destination

The more exciting and unique your community, the more it attracts new neighbors, visitors, and guests who tell their friends and family about their shopping experiences.

This benefits everyone!

Also, when you visit one of the attractions in Florida, museums, zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, parks, or restaurants, purchasing something at their gift shop is always helpful.

In summary, shopping locally in Florida provides a unique shopping experience and contributes significantly to the economic as well as the social fabric of the community.

More Ways to Enjoy Shopping Local in Florida: