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In Good Company
Many states compete to attract new business, but few can match the scale and scope of Florida’s industry assets. Boasting competitive costs, a large and well-trained workforce, superior global connectivity and ready proximity to wide-ranging markets, Florida has a proven record of success in these key industries:
Life Sciences
No. 2 largest medical device manufacturing industry in the U.S.
No. 3 most clinical trials initiated among the states
$1.5 bil. spent annually in life sciences R&D by Florida universities
Cutting-edge breakthroughs in medical treatment, pharmaceutical development and biotech research happen almost every day in Florida thanks to the presence of such industry leaders as Actavis, Arthrex, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic and a university system committed to pursuing life sciences R&D.
Aviation & Aerospace
No. 2 aviation & aerospace establishments
No. 2 aerospace products & parts manufacturing
$7.2 bil. annual exports annually by aviation and aerospace businesses
Long recognized as the world’s premier gateway to space, Florida remains the undisputed air traffic hub for the Western Hemisphere, a major center for flight training and MRO and home to dozens of aircraft and aviation/aerospace component manufacturers. And now, having celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing, NASA and a host of commercial partners are looking to the future: a return to the moon by 2024 and an eventual mission to Mars.
Corporate Headquarters
1st best tax climate in the Southeast
4th best tax climate nationwide
2nd best state for business
0% personal income tax
Corporate headquarters are naturally drawn to Florida for its highly favorable business climate, which includes a low corporate tax burden, no personal income tax and modern infrastructure. More than 300 international companies have established a presence here.
Financial & Professional Services
No. 3 largest insurance industry in the U.S.
No. 3 largest financial services industry in the U.S.
A diversified economic structure has fueled Florida’s ability to become a true global player in the provision of high value-added services in finance, insurance, engineering, accounting and consulting.
— Gary Norcross / Chairman, President and CEO / FIS
Defense & Homeland Security
No. 2 space and defense systems manufacturing
No. 5 Department of Defense contract awards
As home to 20 major military installations, three unified combat commands and some 22,000 defense-related companies, Florida’s military and defense industry exerts an $95 billion annual economic impact statewide. From satellites to encryption technologies, Florida companies are at the leading edge of all major military and government markets.
Logisitics & Distribution
No. 1 air cargo with Latin America and the Caribbean
No. 2 largest Foreign Trade Zone network in the U.S.
No. 3 largest cluster of logistics & distribution establishments in the U.S.
As a leading international trade center and home to an extensive multimodal transportation system, Florida excels at moving 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.
Clean Technology
No. 2 state for solar jobs
Recognizing the undeniable link between sustainability and the economy, Floridians are hard at work finding ways to build a leading clean technology hub by harnessing two of this state’s greatest assets — sunshine and ocean currents.
Manufacturing
No. 2 future job growth
Florida’s 20,000+ manufacturers produce a wide variety of goods, including aerospace products and parts, boats, batteries, communications equipment, food and beverages, plastics, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and textiles.
— Tim Cummings / CFO / Accel
Information Technology
No. 1 high-tech employment in the Southeast
No. 3 most fiber miles among states (61,000+)
Since birthing the IBM PC in Boca Raton nearly four decades ago, Florida has remained at the forefront of IT innovation. With more than 34,000 high-tech companies in residence, this state’s IT strengths are wide ranging — from computer systems design to modeling, simulation and training.
— Sergio Heker / CEO / GLESE