From the July / August 2025 Issue

As of June 2025, Florida’s unemployment rate was 3.7% and had been lower than the national rate for 56 consecutive months. Florida’s private sector job growth rate had exceeded the national rate for 49 of the last 51 months since April 2021. The industry that gained the most jobs in June 2025 was the education and health services sector, adding 1,300 jobs. Since 2019, Florida has seen around three million new businesses established. And, according to recently released data on Florida’s gross domestic product, the state is now a $1.74 trillion economic engine.

FloridaCommerce has prioritized strategic investments through the promotion of public infrastructure and workforce training programs such as the Job Growth Grant Fund and Rural Infrastructure Fund. These programs include services, resources, and opportunities for job seekers, including veterans, individuals with disabilities, recipients of government assistance, and other Florida residents with barriers to employment. There are also programs that help employers find, develop, and retain qualified workforce talent. 

The Division of Economic Development’s Bureau of Business Development provides companies interested in expanding or locating in Florida with confidential site selection, industry expertise, property search assistance, permitting, guidance, incentives, demographic and workforce information, and is a liaison to other state agencies that provide services to companies making location or expansion decisions. In FY 2023-2024, the Bureau’s efforts helped to deliver the establishment of 46 projects, representing a projected 6,040 new and retained jobs with an average wage of $66,400 and more than $2 billion in capital investment. Projects included relocations and expansions in the life sciences, aviation and aerospace, financial and professional services, and manufacturing sectors. Working with a network of statewide economic development partners, the Business Development team utilizes tools in Florida’s economic development toolkit to attract businesses to the state and strengthen the economy. 

Greater Fort Lauderdale: Robust Growth Continues

The sky is no longer the limit for business success in Greater Fort Lauderdale, which has been attracting jobs and investment to the community, particularly in high value targeted industries including aviation/aerospace and life sciences. 

With more than just an unparalleled quality of life and an attractive business climate, plus the State of Florida recently eliminating tax on business leases as of its 2025 legislative session, companies have more reason than ever to locate in Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County. 

Recent announced projects include: 

• CTS Engines, a global leader of mature aviation engine maintenance, is expanding in Coral Springs, creating 41 new high-skill jobs and making a capital investment of $2.5 million. 
• Pherros Biosciences, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Deerfield Beach, is in the midst of a multi-phase expansion that will allow for the production of up to 100,000 units of new and generic injectable medicines per day, as well as the production of biologics and biosimilars. Once complete, the company will have a total drug manufacturing footprint of more than 60,000 square feet, supporting an estimated 85 high-value jobs by the end of 2026.
• Transpire Bio, an integrated clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specialized in developing inhaled therapeutics for pulmonary and systemic diseases, is expanding its R&D and manufacturing capabilities with a new 139,000-square-foot pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Pembroke Pines, making a capital investment of $100 million. The cutting-edge facility will enhance and build upon the company’s existing R&D and commercial manufacturing operations in Weston, adding an estimated 200 high-skill jobs when fully operational. 
• VSE Corporation, a leading provider of aftermarket distribution and repair services, relocated its corporate headquarters from northern Virginia to Miramar, where it is co-located with the company’s Aviation segment headquarters and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) center of excellence. The $3.4 million capital investment will create and support a combined total of 350 high-value jobs over the next five years. VSE continues to grow in Broward County, having recently acquired Kellstrom Aerospace and Vortex Aviation. 

“The thriving and collaborative business climate the Alliance continues to cultivate remains a key driver of economic growth and resilience in Broward,” said Bob Swindell, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance. “Thus far this year, we’re thrilled to have assisted with high-impact investments, expansions, and relocations that underscore the robust growth of high-value sectors such as aviation MRO and pharmaceutical manufacturing in Broward County—along with our strong and talented workforce, business leadership, and infrastructure that continue to support new growth opportunities.”

Companies and consultants interested in learning how their company can benefit can reach out to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance.

 

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