Florida has a higher proportion of military personnel among its workforce than most other states. Major military installations are located in Pensacola, Jacksonville, Panama City, Cape Kennedy, Orlando, Tampa, and Key West.
State government employment contributes more to the economy of the Big Bend than to any other part of Florida. Employment by state government, usually in prisons and state hospitals, is also significant in a number of predominantly rural counties such as Union, Bradford, DeSoto, Baker, Sumter, Jackson, and Gadsden. The University of Florida accounts for the significance of state government employment in Alachua County. Local government employment is especially important in rural counties with few other economic opportunities.
