Gates: Collier is anti-business

Collier County is chasing prospective business away with its high taxes and lengthy permitting process, according to a well-known businessman.

Todd Gates, chairman of the Naples-based development firm that bears his name, cited Collier's distinction as having the highest taxes on new construction in the state (also known as “impact fees”).

Economic development groups in Naples have been touting Collier as a destination for new and expanding businesses lately, but Gates says the county's anti-growth tax and permitting climate tell businesses another story.

Collier should stop being bipolar. “Either stop saying you want them or roll out the red carpet,” Gates told a gathering of entrepreneurs at the Christian Chamber of Southwest Florida.

Collier's anti-growth crowd often cites “quality of life” as the reason behind erecting economic barriers such as high taxes. But Gates counters: “Quality of life includes a job.” Collier County's unemployment rate was 11.9% in December.

Three years ago, most of Gates' development and construction business came from Lee and Collier counties. Now, most of his projects take place outside the area, including Central America.