Economic Development

Profile

  • Established: 1903
  • Incorporated: 1908
  • Population: 50,800 (2023 population estimate by BEBR)
  • Area: Approximately 18.1 square miles
  • Millage: 4.50
  • Mayor: John Rees
  • City Manager: Jon C. Williams

startingbusiness_800_400_c1Best City in Florida to Raise a Family and Start a Business

Winter Garden continues to be ranked as one of the best places in Florida to raise a family and start a business. According to SmartAsset, NerdWallet and Niche, Winter Garden continues to be ranked as a great place to live and to raise a family.  It is also a great city to launch a business according to WalletHub.  

Search for Available Properties to Buy or Lease

Are you looking to open a business in Winter Garden?  A special website has been designed to provide a listing of real estate opportunities which can be found at Looplink. The website has been designed to answer queries regarding real estate availability for both purchase and lease. Winter Garden is open and ready to welcome your company.  If you were unable to find what your were looking for, please call 407.656.4111 ext. 2308 for additional assistance.

Demographic Information

You can find an up to date community profile on Winter Garden and pertinent demographic information here  Community Profile and Demographic Info

Business Assistance

The department is focused on meeting the needs of the local business community.  Please call the main line, 407.656.4111 ext. 2308 if your business needs assistance.  

Film Permitting

Winter Garden is camera ready! The historic streets of our downtown resonate small town charm that is hard to find anywhere else, making it a popular location for filming. 

Alongside our partnership with the Orlando Film Commission, we help to make sure productions are successful. Those interested in filming in Winter Garden, should first visit Orlando Film Commission or call 407.422.7159 for permitting assistance, location needs help, local production directory, and other resources.

Once the Orlando Film Commission notifies us about your production, City staff are happy to assist you as only a local can. For City of Winter Garden film-related questions, call 407.656.4111 ext. 2266 or email betsy@cwgdn.com.

Shop Local Program 

Winter Garden is a community comprised of a majority of small businesses, which are the backbone of both the national and local economy.  The City has implemented a shop local program that builds awareness and support for local businesses.  All new businesses are given a shop local sticker to display and a shop local marketing campaign is managed by the Economic Development Department and the City also participates and promotes Shop Small Saturday.  

Downtown and Community Redevelopment Agency

A charming historic downtown district adds to Winter Garden’s character and ambiance. Unique shops and restaurants flank brick-paved West Plant Street giving another dimension to the shopping experience.  Downtown is also within a Community Redevelopment Area.  To learn more, please visit Downtown CRA.

Quality of Life 

Learn more about all that Winter Garden has to offer by visiting Downtown Winter Garden and Things to Do.

  1. Marc O. Hutchinson

    Economic Development Director
    Phone: 407-656-4111, ext. 2306

  2. Betsy Sorg

    Economic Development & Downtown Manager
    Phone: 407-656-4111, ext. 2266