University: Central Florida will lead economic growth.

GAINESVILLE -- Fueleed by rising costs in South Florida and the growing presence of high-tech firms along the I-4 corridor, Central Florida should lead the state in economic growth in the coming year, say University of Florida economists.

"The cost of living in South Florida is much higher, so we're seeing some businesses leave that area for around Orlando," says David Denslow, an economist with the Gainesville university. "We should see continued strong business growth in Central Florida."

That's not the case for the rest of the state. Indeed, even smaller markets around Orlando are expected to record slower rates of growth as the national economy cools. …