From advanced naval aircraft to precision surgical implants, Florida’s state and business leaders detail how low taxes, rapid permitting, and a massive $87 billion manufacturing surge are propelling the Sunshine State toward becoming a global economic powerhouse.
This collaborative momentum is taking root across Florida’s sun-drenched landscape, as a strategic alliance between private enterprise and state leadership fuels a modern manufacturing boom.
“We now recognize that Florida stands as the 14th largest economy globally. While many associate the state primarily with agriculture, tourism, and construction, Florida has spent the last 25 years strategically diversifying its economy into high-growth sectors like life sciences, aerospace, rockets, and advanced manufacturing,” Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Wilson explained. “Manufacturing is an essential, non-negotiable pillar of this economic evolution.”
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has positioned itself at the forefront of re-shoring and on-shoring initiatives, revitalizing domestic production capabilities,” FloridaCommerce Deputy Secretary for Economic Development and Chief Manufacturing Officer Jason Mahon added.
“Unlike traditional manufacturing states that have experienced declines, Florida has achieved remarkable growth, securing a position among the top ten manufacturing states in the nation. Our manufacturing GDP has surged by 60%, expanding from $54.4 billion to an impressive $87.4 billion in output,” Mahon noted. “These figures tell the story: manufacturers are flocking to Florida, discovering exceptional opportunities and a highly capable workforce, and we are thriving as a direct result.”
By 2030, Florida aims to be a top-five state for manufacturing jobs. (Getty Images)
Florida’s gross domestic product (GDP) now exceeds $1.8 trillion, surpassing nations like Spain, Mexico, and Australia. State business leaders are executing a targeted campaign to break into the global top ten economies by 2030, while simultaneously aiming for a top five national ranking in manufacturing employment, which requires generating 750,000 net new jobs.
Two leading private-sector businesses pivotal to helping Florida achieve these ambitious goals are Naples-based medical device company Arthrex and St. Augustine-based aerospace and defense technology giant Northrop Grumman. Both companies are finalists in the Florida Chamber and FloridaCommerce’s annual “Coolest Thing Made in Florida” competition, with the winner to be announced on October 28.
“What makes Florida truly unique for developing and manufacturing advanced military products is our robust infrastructure, accessible resources, skilled workforce, and the collaborative partnership with the state that empowers us to continue growing,” Northrop Grumman Vice President and site leader Randy Bradley explained, showcasing their E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft, which serves primarily with the U.S. Navy. “For Northrop Grumman alone, we employ over 8,000 people across three primary locations in the state of Florida.”
FOX Business’ Grady Trimble joins ‘Varney & Co.’ to provide an exclusive look inside Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Hawkeye program.
“The TightRope PRO exemplifies the cutting-edge manufacturing happening right here in Florida. Designed, prototyped, tested, and manufactured entirely within our state, bringing a sophisticated device like this to market requires a collaborative effort of highly skilled engineers, machinists, and manufacturing professionals,” Arthrex Director of Foot, Ankle, and Trauma Product Management Michael Karnes stated. “These are not traditional tourism or hospitality roles; they are high-tech, high-skill careers that drive innovation and manufacturing growth. The long-term success of Florida’s economy relies on a diverse industrial mix, with advanced manufacturing playing a vital role in our future.”
Since 1991, Arthrex has called Naples its headquarters home. (Photo courtesy: Arthrex / FOXBusiness)
Complementing this business-friendly climate, state leaders have enacted tax-cutting measures every year since 2011. These initiatives include phasing out and repealing the business rent tax, expanding corporate exemptions, and establishing permanent sales tax holidays. Mahon highlighted that industrial projects can transition from groundbreaking to active production in under six months—a timeline virtually unattainable in higher-tax, traditional manufacturing hubs in the Rust Belt or on the West Coast.
“Our primary objective is to robustly support our manufacturers,” Mahon said. “We assist them in navigating the permitting and development process at both the local and state levels, ensuring they have exactly what they need to succeed.”
Mahon argued that Florida’s streamlined approach enables manufacturers to launch operations far more rapidly than in states burdened by excessive regulatory hurdles, citing projects that have progressed from initial planning to full production in six months or less.
“We have successfully brought projects online within this timeframe, and sometimes even faster, transforming vacant land into active, productive manufacturing facilities here in Florida.”
Wilson echoed this perspective, noting a pronounced trend of businesses and wealthy individuals relocating to states with lower taxes and lighter regulatory burdens, moving away from traditional hubs like New York, California, and Illinois.
“Capital flows to where it is welcomed and nurtured,” Wilson stated.
He highlighted billionaire Ken Griffin and a recent $3 billion investment announcement as prime examples of how Florida’s pro-business policies continue to attract major capital and influential investors.
“These successes demonstrate that when entrepreneurs and investors recognize Florida is open for business, they choose to bring their operations and talent here.”
Florida Chamber of Commerce CEO Mark Wilson discusses the surge in interest from companies and individuals looking to relocate to the Sunshine State, following the launch of the state’s ‘Free Enterprise’ campaign.
“I relocated here 13 years ago, and I deeply appreciate the quality of life,” Bradley reflected, highlighting Florida’s beaches, rivers, outdoor recreation, and affordable living as key assets that make the state exceptionally attractive.
“My purchasing power goes significantly further here than in other parts of the country where I have lived. This affordability and outstanding quality of life make Florida an ideal partner; it is easy to attract top talent and maintain it when we can offer such a compelling lifestyle.”
“Arthrex continues to invest heavily in Southwest Florida because it is where our company was founded and where many of our core innovation, manufacturing, and distribution operations are based. Florida’s business-friendly environment fosters sustained growth and investment in Collier County,” Karnes added. “For us, it is not merely about cost-efficiency; it is about maintaining strict control over the quality of the surgical devices used by medical professionals across the United States every day, supporting their life-saving patient care. We are deeply committed to our community and to cultivating advanced manufacturing opportunities in Florida for the long term.”
“Florida’s business-friendly environment and growing talent pipeline… will position the state for many years of success…”
“We want students to see that they can build rewarding, high-paying careers right here in Southwest Florida,” Karnes said. “They don’t need to leave the region to find these opportunities. By keeping families together and strengthening our local communities, we ensure a prosperous future for years to come. We are continuing to invest in education, workforce development, and innovation, which will be critical to achieving these goals.”
“From Northrop Grumman’s perspective, we see immense value and positive impact here. We are investing in growth and foresee a very bright future,” Bradley added. “For the state itself, the presence of the Space Coast and the frequent launch of rockets set this state apart technologically. We are eager to continue growing our aerospace and space industries, and we see a highly promising future for Florida in these sectors.”
Blue Origin employees and attendees watch as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, not pictured, speaks at the company’s manufacturing complex in Merritt Island, Florida, on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (Getty Images)
According to Mahon, the current administration has invested $12 billion directly into workforce education, focusing on critical industrial trades such as precision machining, electrical, welding, and pipe-fitting. Research from the Economic Policy Institute indicates that every 100 direct manufacturing jobs producing durable goods—such as aerospace, semiconductors, and advanced electronics—sustains 744.1 indirect jobs. FloridaCommerce data reveals that average annual wages within state-designated target industries, like advanced manufacturing, reach $107,261.
“Our manufacturing growth is largely attributable to the abundant pool of highly skilled individuals already residing in the state. We must continue to support pathways that help individuals access and thrive in these high-growth careers. As competition for talent in specialized fields like electrical, welding, and pipe-fitting intensifies, we need to continuously expand our educational and training pipelines to ensure a steady supply of qualified workers,” Mahon explained, emphasizing the administration’s focus on providing Floridians with access to high-wage, high-skill career opportunities.
“Manufacturing is one of the most impactful and leverageable career paths available. In Florida, the median wage for manufacturing jobs exceeds $82,000 annually. Our ‘Coolest Thing Made in Florida’ competition is designed to capture the imagination of middle and high school students, showing them that skilled trades and manufacturing are not only cool, high-paying career paths but also viable opportunities to build a successful life and raise a family right here in the Sunshine State,” Wilson added.
“From Northrop Grumman’s perspective, we see immense value and positive impact here. We are investing in growth and foresee a very bright future,” Bradley added. “For the state itself, the presence of the Space Coast and the frequent launch of rockets set this state apart technologically. We are eager to continue growing our aerospace and space industries, and we see a highly promising future for Florida in these sectors.”
The NASA SpaceX Crew-13 mission lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Credit: SpaceX)
As the Florida Chamber and FloridaCommerce prepare to crown the state’s manufacturing champion, economic leaders view the competition as a reflection of a deeper economic shift, directly influencing conversations with out-of-state corporate leaders evaluating where to build their next facilities.
“It is our pro-business economy and our dedicated mindset of helping businesses grow and navigate their needs—whether in workforce development, infrastructure, supply chain, or local permitting—that we consistently hear praised by companies considering a move,” Mahon said.
“Florida remains the safest, most consistent, and most welcoming environment in the United States for investment. We encourage businesses to consider relocating here so that we can help lead the nation, with Florida paving the way forward,” Wilson concluded.
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