Being between the two major cities of Orlando + Tampa, Lakeland is vital to the state’s economy. After all, every road leads to I-4. But who may you ask is taking advantage of our ideal location? We have compiled a list of ten of the largest employers in our city to give you insider information, courtesy of the Lakeland Economic Development Council (LEDC).

Ranging from international giants to businesses that started right here, we are proud of how much Lakeland has grown + developed over the years.

Let’s take it from the top.

Publix

8,008 employees | The largest employee-owned grocery chain in the U.S. is also Lakeland’s largest employer. Founded in 1930 in Winter Haven, Publix is one of the ten largest-volume supermarket chains in the country, employing over 200,000 people total. Shopping there is always a pleasure.

Lakeland Regional Health

Lakeland Regional Health | Photo by @lakelandregionalhealth

5,500 employees | It all started back in 1916 when the original name was Morrell Memorial Hospital. LRH is the fifth largest hospital in Florida with physicians practicing in more than 25 specialties.

GEICO

GEICO Corporate Office | Photo by @marymarshmedia

3,700 employees | Ever heard the saying, “15 minutes could save you 15% or more on car insurance?” How about the cute GEICO Gecko? This insurance company has 17 corporate offices and one of them is planted right here in Lakeland.

City of Lakeland

2,800 employees | Our local government is made up of many departments – from Parks + Recreation and Lakeland Electric to Community & Economic Development and the fire + police department.

Watson Clinic

1,857 employees | Watson’s mission is to offer medical services of the highest quality since 1941. They provide walk-in, after hours, and weekend care. Their hospital-based doctors at Lakeland Regional Health are also on-call around-the-clock to offer emergency services + specialty care.

Southeastern University

Southeastern University | Photo by @seuniversity

1,072 employees | SEU was founded in Alabama and relocated to Lakeland in 1946. Today they offer over 70 undergraduate + graduate degrees available through traditional, evening, or online programs.

GC Services

1,000 employees | GC Services has been around for more than 60 years, providing many nationwide + Fortune 500 companies with customer care in fraud control, damage claims, billing inquiries, account receivables management services + more.

Amazon

Amazon Fulfillment Center | Photo by @thedanallenn

900 employees | We’ve all used Amazon for last-minute birthday gifts or price matching other online platforms. Did you know that some of your orders might have actually come from within our city? The one million sq ft. warehouse is here to help fulfill your online shopping cravings.

Saddle Creek Logistics Services

Saddle Creek Logistics Services | Photo by @flo_diesel_boyz

850 employees | For 50+ years, Saddle Creek has built customized supply chain solutions for thousands of clients. They serve subscription box companies, e-commerce retailers, direct sellers, and many others.

Rooms To Go

800 employees | With a major warehouse located in Lakeland, Rooms To Go provides furniture + delivery services to homes and businesses across the United States.