FloridaCommerce
“Florida continues to be the nation’s top destination for new businesses, workforce development, and tourism, and streamlining our economic development programs in the Florida Department of Commerce will further support Florida’s thriving economy.”
— Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
TARGETED GROWTH SECTORS
Aviation & Aerospace: Home to the renowned Kennedy Space Center, Cecil Spaceport, and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida’s aviation and aerospace industry is the world’s gateway to space. As the birthplace of commercial aviation, Florida has 130 public-use airports and 20 commercial airports to move goods and people around the globe.
Manufacturing: Ranked among the nation’s top 10 states for manufacturing, Florida is home to over 24,000 manufacturing companies that employ more than 400,000 workers. Manufacturing companies choose Florida for its pro-business policies, strong workforce, and access to domestic and global markets.
Cleantech: From solar energy to bioplastics to bioremediation, Florida powers all facets of the cleantech industry. Floridians understand the undeniable link between sustainability and the economy and are harnessing innovation and the state’s strong entrepreneurial spirit to build one of the nation’s leading clean technology hubs.
NOTABLE PROJECTS
As Florida focuses on international relations, Israeli security company Cybecs will establish a headquarters in Tampa, bringing 150 jobs to the state over three years. Global manufacturer Saint-Gobain North America will invest $235 million over the next two years to expand its manufacturing facility in Palatka in Putnam County. Bauducco Foods also plans to bring 600 jobs to Pasco County.
FEATURED LOCATIONS
As the official economic development partnership for Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County, we work to help companies create and retain high-wage jobs and encourage capital investment in high-value targeted industries. We also work to create a strong business climate, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life.
Discover Hernando County, a vibrant Tampa Bay community, where sunny weather shines on a pro-business climate. Here you’ll find a unique blend of top-notch logistics and livability, ideal for new facility development. And the new Wilton Simpson Technical College ensures a talent pipeline for your future workforce.
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Indian River County has a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere. Centrally located 70 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center and an hour’s drive north of West Palm Beach, our 543 square miles contain 26 miles of unspoiled beaches, groves of renowned Indian River grapefruit, immaculate oceanfront estates and riverfront communities – free from urban sprawl and congestion. We are located within a three-hour drive of 17.9 million potential customers – 90% of Florida’s population.
Putnam County, FL offers economic opportunities and an abundance of natural amenities attractive to businesses and development with access to major markets and a high standard of living. Located halfway between major hubs of Atlanta and Miami, Putnam County boasts access to regional transportation networks. These factors are balanced by a small-town charm and many festivals and outdoor recreational opportunities that entice residents and visitors alike.
FAST FACTS
Population (July 2022 est.): 22,244,823¹
Largest Cities (2020): Jacksonville (950,463); Miami (441,889); Tampa (383,980); Orlando (307,603); St. Petersburg (258,658)¹
Real GDP (2022): $1.07 trillion²
¹U.S. Census Bureau
²Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Dept. of Commerce
TAX CREDITS
Research and Development Tax Credit: Corporate income tax credit for eligible businesses for certain qualified research expenses. The Florida Corporate Income Tax Credit is contingent, in part, on the eligible business having received the federal research and development tax credit.
Rural and Urban Job Tax Credit Programs: The programs offer a job creation incentive for eligible businesses located within one of the 36 designated rural areas or within one of the 13 designated urban areas.
TOP BUSINESS FACILITIES RANKINGS
#1 Fastest Growing (Population) | 2023 State Rankings |
#3 Solar Power (Installed MW) | 2023 State Rankings |
Top 5 EV Charging Infrastructure | 2023 State Rankings |
Top 5 Best Business Tax Climate | 2023 State Rankings |
Top 10 Aerospace/Defense | 2023 State Rankings |
Top 10 Life Sciences | 2023 State Rankings |
#1 Fastest Growing Metros: The Villages | 2023 Metro Rankings |
#2 Best Business Climate (Mid-Sized): Fort Lauderdale | 2023 Metro Rankings |
Top 5 Top Performing Container Ports: Port Everglades | 2023 Metro Rankings |
Top 10 Logistics Leaders: Miami | 2023 Global Rankings |
LATEST NEWS
Intermodal Facilities: Moving Up, Around, And About
Intermodal facilities enable goods to flow through the U.S., and locations are updating their offerings.
Florida Continues To Outpace National Economic Trends
Governor Ron DeSantis credits the Sunshine State’s economic growth to strong infrastructure and local community development.
FAA Grants Nearly $1B For Building Better Airport Terminals
Under this funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 114 airports across the U.S, spanning 44 states and three territories will improve service and performance.
Aerospace And Defense Industry Locations: Cleared For Takeoff
As the aerospace and defense industry continues to grow, companies look for suitable locations.
2023 Deals Of The Year
Entries for Deal of the Year awards spanned industries, investment types, and winning strategies. Here are the stories of this year’s picks.