The Military Economy in Northwest Florida

I went to a great meeting last week in Navarre. It was for Realtors and affiliated businesses, and the focus was on the military economy in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton Counties. For anyone who lives here, we know it has a great impact. The Eglin range is the largest military base in the world, and I found out that it has a $7 Billion yearly impact on the area. There are 31,000 military jobs and 25,000 defense related jobs. We have 18,000 retired military people here and 63,000 veterans.


And, more people are coming! The elite Army 7th Special Forces are moving here from Ft. Bragg next year, and we are also getting the new F-35 to Eglin. Hurlburt is also gaining some positions over the next year or two as well.

From my point of view as a real estate broker (and owner of a company since 1981), we should always be mindful of not only the military presence, but also the special needs of military families. They move around a lot; their spouses are gone for months at a time (sometimes the family has no idea where they are). It's an emotional rollercoaster for many. Thanks to each and every one of you.

Gloria Frazier
Broker/President