ACHieVE HEALTHY RESULTS

Polk County is advancing the future of life sciences and healthcare through specialized medical expertise, clinical research, innovative technologies and pharmaceutical manufacturing. A growing healthcare ecosystem, access to a large patient population and a strategic Central Florida location create opportunities for companies developing, producing and delivering the next generation of healthcare solutions.

With more than 11 million people within a 100-mile radius, Polk County offers a compelling environment for clinical research, medical technology development and life sciences businesses seeking room to grow.

Polk County’s life sciences industry is also making a significant economic contribution. In 2025, the county was home to 1,111 life sciences establishments that generated $3.1 billion in GDP. The industry’s connections to businesses across the country – and within Polk County itself – further demonstrate its role in the regional economy.

Kate Bernthal

Senior Business Development Specialist

An Established Healthcare Ecosystem

Polk County’s growing population is driving continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and services. The county is home to a broad network of hospitals, specialized medical facilities, and outpatient services, supported by major healthcare providers including Lakeland Regional Health, Orlando Health, AdventHealth, and BayCare.

These healthcare systems provide a wide range of medical and specialty services, strengthening access to care for residents throughout Polk County.

Complementing these hospital systems, Central Florida Health Care, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), provides primary, preventive, dental, behavioral health, and specialty services through community health centers across Polk County.

Together, these healthcare providers and facilities strengthen Polk County’s healthcare ecosystem and create opportunities for businesses developing medical technologies, healthcare solutions, and innovations that advance patient care.

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A Strong Foundation for Clinical Research and Healthcare Innovation

Polk County’s clinical research capabilities are expanding, supported by established research programs and new investment in specialized care. Lakeland Regional Health’s Hollis Cancer Center advances cancer research and clinical trials, strengthened by a partnership with Tampa General Hospital and the TGH-USF academic health system. The Center for Retina and Macular Disease brings additional expertise in clinical trials for retinal diseases. Looking ahead, Moffitt Cancer Center’s planned Central Florida campus in Lakeland will further expand access to specialized cancer care and clinical trials, with future plans for research and education. Together, these capabilities and investments reinforce Polk County’s growing role in clinical research and healthcare innovation.

Education and Talent Pipeline

Polk County’s healthcare and life sciences industries benefit from a workforce pipeline spanning healthcare training, biomedical sciences and emerging medical technologies. Close collaboration between educational institutions and healthcare employers helps align training with industry needs and provides pathways to clinical experience and employment.

Polk State College

Polk State College is a key contributor to Polk County’s healthcare workforce, offering associate and bachelor’s degrees in nursing alongside programs in allied health fields. Graduates of its Associate in Science in Nursing program achieved a 97.4% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2025.

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Florida Southern College

Programs at Florida Southern College span undergraduate nursing, graduate nursing education, advanced practice nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Clinical placements across Central Florida give students hands-on experience in diverse care settings, helping prepare graduates for clinical practice and healthcare leadership.

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Keiser University

Keiser University’s Lakeland campus offers a wide range of health science-related degrees, from associate to graduate levels. The College of Nursing’s online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program provides RNs with the advanced knowledge and clinical skills they will need to serve the health care needs of clients across the age spectrum.

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Southeastern University

Southeastern University’s College of Natural & Health Sciences offers nursing programs at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s levels, supported by simulation-based training and clinical experiences in local healthcare settings. The university also offers science-focused education that supports future pathways into health professions and related fields.

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Florida Polytechnic University

Florida Polytechnic University offers a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences that integrates biology, chemistry and engineering, with coursework in biomedical devices and artificial intelligence in biology. Specialized certificates and a pre-health pathway with the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine further connect scientific education with medical technology, research and advanced healthcare careers.

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A Strategic Location for Life Sciences Manufacturing

Polk County offers more than a central location for life sciences companies. Assure Infusions, a pharmaceutical manufacturer in Bartow, demonstrates the region’s ability to support the advanced manufacturing of critical healthcare products.

The industry’s economic reach extends well beyond its own facilities. As of the second quarter of 2026, Polk County’s life sciences industry was estimated to purchase $2.1 billion annually from U.S. suppliers, including approximately $900 million from businesses located within Polk County. That represents about 44% of its estimated annual U.S. supplier purchases, highlighting the industry’s connections to the local business community.

Companies benefit from access to a skilled workforce, competitive real estate costs and a multimodal transportation network connecting Central Florida to major markets. Florida’s sales tax exemption for qualifying manufacturing machinery and equipment provides another potential cost advantage for eligible businesses.

Life Sciences & Healthcare Advancements