How is the economy in the Mt. Dora area? (Altamonte Springs: new construction, contractors)

[Sealtite]

Hi all. I'm a contractor, and have been considering a move to central Florida for some time. I was in Mt. Dora a few years ago briefly, and really fell in love with the place. I think it's absolutely beautiful there.
My business would be mostly B2B (business to business) in Florida. I've worked in the state in the past, however this was in the early 2000's....Long before the housing crash obviously. My business mostly consists of parking lot maintenance (sealing and line painting). I have been in business in Pennsylvania for fifteen years, and have done well....However I'm getting really sick of these 6 month winters. Today's date is March 17th. I have not worn shorts in over six months. I haven't experienced a sunny day since last September, and as it stands now...April may be lost up here to snowy and cold weather conditions! I've had enough.

[kyle19125]

Mount Dora was hit very hard by the recession and I certainly wouldn't call it booming with many closed down businesses in the area and very little if any new construction. It's in fairly close proximity to Seminole County areas like Lake Mary, Sanford, Apopka and Altamonte Springs where there is much more going on economically, so if you chose to live in Mount Dora and work elsewhere it would certainly be achievable. Bear in mind the existing contractors in your field have been hit hard by the recession as well and most if not all of those still in business are probably still struggling a bit. As I advise everyone, find other booming areas in warm weather states to focus on unless you're financially well off enough to sustain long periods without work/income. There are many cities in Louisiana and Texas (Baton Rouge, Shreveport and Houston areas for example) that have construction booms happening thanks to oil money, and weather similar to here much of the year.