Mining for the best industry

Florida has its tourism, but when it comes to the best of the best in thriving industries, it's all about mining, oil and gas.

Support activities for mining, with 21% annual sales growth, is the best performing industry in the country, according to a new survey from Raleigh, N.C.-based financial data firm Sageworks. Oil and gas extraction, the modern-day gold rush, posted a sales increase of 18.6% and a 16.3% net profit margin, the survey shows.

Other top 10 industries are riper for Florida entrepreneurs. Industries on that side of the list include: computer system design firms, with a sales increase of 15.7%; services to buildings and dwellings, up 14.2%; architectural firms, up 12.9%; and accounting firms, up 10%. Another industry on the list is like oil in North Dakota to Florida: Outpatient care centers, which posted a 9.8% sales increase and an 11.8% net profit margin.