Global Logistics

With easy access to seaborne trade through the Panama Canal, Greater Fort Lauderdale is positioned at the cusp of Latin America within 1,000 miles of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and many other Caribbean basin nations. Key to the success of this targeted industry are two economic engines: Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Greater Fort Lauderdale also has the workforce to support the global logistics sector, with more than 47,000 jobs in the industry in the county.  In addition, several local colleges and universities offer programs related to logistics, including the Global Trade and Logistics program at Broward College and an MBA in supply chain management and a supply chain management certificate at Nova Southeastern University, among others.

With FLL and Port Everglades, businesses in Greater Fort Lauderdale enjoy fast and convenient connections to world markets. A diverse, multilingual workforce, and convenient office and warehouse facilities support the flow of international goods and services. In addition, Greater Fort Lauderdale is home to many organizations that assist importers, exporters and international service providers.

In 2023, Port Everglades reported $26.5 billion in economic activity, generating $925,431 million in state and local taxes and supporting over 192,500 jobs statewide. The port has Florida's first and largest Foreign Trade Zone. It is the region's main seaport for receiving energy products, including gasoline, jet fuel and other petroleum products. About 15% of all U.S.-Latin American trade moves throught Port Everglades, the number one refrigerated cargo port in Florida. Overall, the port's shoppers serve more than 150 ports in 70 countries around the world.

Fort Lauderdale International airport (FLL) ranks number 12 for international passenger travel. Its $37.5 billion in total economic impact includes air cargo providers that transport more than 105,000 tons through the airport.

International business (trade plus foreign direct investment) supports nearly one in six jobs in the state and accounts for one-sixth of the state's economic output. Most of the state's exports and imports came through the Miami Customs District, which includes Port Everglades and FLL. The district's total trade was $136.6.4 billion in 2022 with a positive trade surplus of $11.8 billion.

For information regarding locating or expanding your business in Greater Fort Lauderdale, please contact Todd Holt, the Alliance's Vice President of Business Development, at 954-627-0124 or via email at [email protected].