Few states can match the scale and scope of Florida’s industry assets. The state’s competitive costs, large talent pool, comprehensive infrastructure, global connectivity and huge market have supported the growth of a robust economy, with particular strength in the following key areas.
Aviation & Aerospace
2nd in aviation and aerospace establishments
$7.6 billion in exports annually by aviation and aerospace businesses
Florida has long been the world’s premier gateway to space, undisputed air traffic hub for the Western Hemisphere, a major center for flight training and MRO and home to manufacturing of aircraft and aviation/aerospace components.
Financial & Professional Services
3rd largest insurance industry in the U.S.
4th largest financial services industry in the U.S.
Florida’s diversifed economic structure has enabled it to be a global player in the provision of high value-added services in architecture, accounting, consulting, engineering and more.
Information Technology
1st high-tech employment in the Southeast
3rd most fiber miles among states (61,000+)
Florida has remained at the forefront of IT innovation since the birth of the IBM PC in Boca Raton. Today, Florida boasts the nation’s third largest tech industry. The state’s IT strengths are wide ranging — from software to photonics to modeling, simulation and training.
Lauren Danielson
CEO & President, Osprey Biotechnics
Defense & Homeland Security
2nd state for space and defense systems manufacturing
5th state for Department of Defense contract awards
Florida is home to one of the nation’s largest defense and homeland security industries, and few states can even come close to matching the scale and scope of its network of major contractors and suppliers. From satellites to encryption technologies, Florida companies are at the leading edge of all major military and government markets.
Life Sciences
2nd largest medical device manufacturing industry in the U.S.
2nd largest pharmaceuticals manufacturing industry
5th largest biotech R&D industry in the U.S.
Innovation is written into Florida’s DNA, and as a result, cutting-edge breakthroughs in medical treatment, pharmaceutical development and biotech research thrive here.
Logistics & Distribution
1st for air cargo with Latin America and the Caribbean
2nd largest Foreign Trade Zone network in the U.S.
3rd largest cluster of logistics and distribution establishments in the U.S.
As a leading international trade center, Florida excels at getting people, products and services anywhere — fast. Most key global shipping lines and airline alliances (including specialized cargo operators), 3PLs and VALs have a presence in Florida.
Marco Túlio Pellegrini
President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets
Corporate Headquarters
1st best tax climate in the Southeast
4th best tax climate nationwide
2nd best state for business
0% personal income tax
A low corporate tax burden, no personal income tax and modern infrastructure provide the perfect climate for business.
Sara and Tim Hale
Co-founders and Managing Partners, Coastal Cloud, LLC
Manufacturing
3rd best state for future job growth through 2019
3rd best state for workforce diversity
Florida’s manufacturers produce a wide variety of goods including aerospace products, batteries, food and beverages, communications equipment, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, boats and more.
Clean Technology
3rd fastest-growing solar state
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.
