International Business
A pro-business attitude, solid infrastructure and educated regional workforce has made Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County a leader in global, national and local communities. The County is playing an evermore prominent role in the growing global economy, which does not recognize political or cultural barriers. This makes it the perfect environment for both national- and international-based companies. Whether a firm needs to instantaneously transmit vast amounts of data to the other side of the globe, hop on a flight to almost anywhere in the world, or quickly find employees who can speak the client's language fluently, Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County offers this and much more.
Driving Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County's globalization is the phenomenal growth in the foreign-born population during the past decade. Data from the 2000 Census show dramatic changes in the county's demography: one-quarter of residents are now foreign-born; more than two-thirds of immigrants are from Latin America; and more than 225,000 foreign citizens live here. The origin of immigrant residents has changed over time. In the 1970 and 1980 censuses, the majority of foreign-born residents came from Europe, whereas in 1990 and 2000, most came from Latin America, which has become the primary source of immigrants for the county.
Every year, new and emerging companies are moving here to increase their sales to Latin America and the Caribbean. In fact, Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County's close proximity to those markets makes it an ideal trans-shipment point for European and Canadian firms, as well as Caribbean and Mexican markets. International trade is a major economic driver in the region. A recent World Cities study indicated that merchandise trade for the entire state of Florida totaled $103 billion total. Most exports and imports came through the Miami Customs District, which includes Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The district’s trade climbed to $95 billion in 2010, up from $79.15 billion in 2009.
Strategically located halfway between Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) plays a major role in the region, contributing more than $2.7 billion to the economy and providing more than 37,000 direct and indirect jobs. As demand for passenger and cargo services grow, FLL has embarked on a $1 billion multi-phase expansion program. Airlines serving FLL offer more than 300 daily commercial departures to 80+ domestic and international destinations. In 2010, FLL served 22.4 million passengers, an increase of 6.4 percent. That included 3.4 million international passengers – a 13.9 percent increase – for the busiest year on record. FLL is also a major air cargo hub, with more than 95,000 tons passing through the airport in 2010.
As a gateway to the world, we have Port Everglades, one of the most dynamic seaports in the world, which is rapidly gaining favor as the perfect hub for north-south trade with fast-growing Latin American and Caribbean markets and for linking them with east-west shipping lines. Port Everglades has an estimated $14 billion impact on the region and nearly 10,000 people work for companies that provide direct services to Port Everglades. With an expansion plan that includes deepening and widening Port Everglades’ waterways, adding five new cargo berths and bringing in direct freight rail connections, Port Everglades will be generating $320 million in state and local taxes and adding 135,000 jobs to Florida’s economy. The port’s plans will also accommodate the larger ships that will transit the expanded Panama Canal.
To discover why companies like American Express, Research in Motion, DHL and Citrix call Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County home, please call the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance's Manager - International Business at 954-627-0128.
