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Florida is experiencing a significant influx of relocating businesses, bringing jobs, increased housing demand, and opportunities across cities such as Tampa, Orlando, and Lakeland.
Florida has long attracted tourists and retirees, but it is now also becoming a hotspot for companies of all sizes. With its business-friendly tax structure and high quality of life, Florida is drawing in corporations from across the U.S. Whether you’re buying a home, changing careers, or launching a business, understanding the wave of Florida business relocations can help you make smarter decisions.
Start your mortgage application with MIDFLORIDA.
Why are companies relocating to Florida?
A number of key factors are driving businesses to pack up and head south:
- Favorable tax environment: Florida has no personal income tax and offers a competitive corporate tax rate
- Business-friendly regulation: Companies benefit from streamlined permitting and pro-growth policies
- Access to talent: With a growing population and strong university system, Florida offers a diverse and skilled workforce
- Infrastructure and logistics: Major highways, rail systems, and seaports support logistics, trade, and supply chain expansion
- Quality of life: Sunshine, coastline, and affordability make Florida attractive to both executives and employees
These advantages are pulling businesses out of higher-cost states like California, New York, and Illinois, and into Florida communities where they can operate more efficiently and profitably.
Major companies relocating to Florida
Florida’s reputation as a destination for business is backed by some high-profile moves. In just the past few years, the following companies have announced significant relocations or expansions in Florida:
Technology and Innovation
- ARK Invest moved its headquarters to St. Petersburg, citing Florida’s innovation potential and lower cost of living
- Citadel, a major financial and tech-driven firm, has shifted key operations from Chicago to Miami
- Wegmans Software Systems, a cloud provider, opened a new regional headquarters in Tampa’s Channelside district
Finance and Banking
- Goldman Sachs expanded its presence in Palm Beach County with plans to bring hundreds of high-paying jobs
- Blackstone Group has grown its real estate division in South Florida, investing in commercial property and infrastructure
Manufacturing and Logistics
- Amazon continues to add distribution centers across Central and North Florida, creating thousands of jobs
- Redwire Space, an aerospace firm, consolidated multiple facilities into a new hub in Jacksonville
- Boeing and Lockheed Martin have expanded space tech operations on Florida’s Space Coast
These companies are not just relocating, they're creating jobs, purchasing commercial real estate, and boosting local economies across the state.
Florida cities with the biggest influx of new companies
Some Florida cities are attracting more businesses than others due to their infrastructure, talent availability, and development opportunities:
- Tampa Bay: Tampa is emerging as a tech and financial hub, thanks to its business-friendly climate, skilled labor pool, and lower operational costs.
- Orlando: Known for tourism, Orlando is now attracting simulation, aerospace, and defense firms due to its strong talent base and access to transportation corridors.
- Miami: With its international connectivity and luxury appeal, Miami has become a hotspot for hedge funds, startups, and international companies relocating their U.S. headquarters.
- Jacksonville: A growing logistics and finance hub, the Jacksonville area is experiencing continued expansion in healthcare, fintech, and advanced manufacturing.
- Lakeland and Central Florida: Strategically located between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland has become a logistics powerhouse, making it ideal for companies requiring warehouse and transportation space. As more businesses move in, so does the demand for housing.
If you’re looking to buy in a growing Florida city, start your mortgage application with MIDFLORIDA. We offer loan solutions built for Florida’s booming job and real estate markets.
The impact on Florida’s job market
Business relocations are creating new opportunities for Florida residents. And they're also attracting more out-of-state job seekers.
Key trends include:
- Wage growth in high-demand fields: Especially in technology, finance, and skilled trades
- Remote work hybridization: Many relocated companies maintain flexible work models, blending local hiring with nationwide talent
- Rise in workforce housing demand: As jobs increase, so does the need for affordable homes near growing employment centers
According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, employment in professional and business services grew by more than 6% year-over-year as of Q2 2025, outpacing the national average.
How business relocations impact Florida’s housing market
As companies bring employees into the state, many Florida communities are seeing increased demand for both home purchases and rentals. This impacts:
- Home prices: Median home prices are rising in relocation hubs, particularly in Tampa, Orlando, and South Florida
- Inventory: Some markets are experiencing tight supply, especially for mid-range homes ideal for relocating professionals
- New construction: Builders are ramping up development to meet demand, including in suburban ZIP codes like 33837 (Davenport), 34787 (Winter Garden), and 33993 (Cape Coral)
This growth presents opportunities for homebuyers. But it also means more competition. Buyers relocating for work may want to secure financing quickly and consider pre-approval to stay competitive.
What this means for Florida residents and buyers
If you’re already living in Florida or planning to move, the influx of new companies can benefit you in several ways:
- More job opportunities, especially in growing sectors
- Higher property values in well-located areas
- Greater community investment in schools, transportation, and infrastructure
But it also comes with challenges:
- Increased competition for homes in high-growth regions
- Pressure on local resources like roads and schools
- Shifts in neighborhood dynamics as populations grow
Planning ahead, especially if you're buying a home near a business relocation hub, can help you stay ahead of the curve.
FAQ: Florida Business Relocations
Q: What industries are driving Florida business relocations?
A: Technology, finance, logistics, aerospace, and manufacturing are leading sectors relocating to or expanding in Florida.
Q: How do business relocations affect Florida housing markets?
A: They increase demand for housing near job centers, driving up prices and reducing inventory—especially in suburbs and midsized cities.
Q: What Florida cities are seeing the most corporate relocation activity?
A: Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, and Lakeland are among the top cities attracting new companies.
Q: How can I prepare to buy a home in a high-growth Florida market?
A: Get pre-approved early, understand local property trends, and work with a lender familiar with Florida’s fast-paced markets.
How MIDFLORIDA can support relocating professionals
At MIDFLORIDA, we understand how Florida’s evolving economy affects our members. Whether you're relocating for a new job or investing in a Florida-based business, we offer:
- Competitive home loan options tailored to your timeline
- Digital pre-approval tools for fast, remote buyers
- Local knowledge of Florida’s most in-demand cities and ZIP codes
- Escrow and title services to simplify the closing process