“Advancing Florida’s standing on the global stage requires a state economy conducive to innovation, capable of withstanding disruptions, and constantly cultivating talent. A robust manufacturing sector stands at the crossroads of these priorities and, as the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated, the sector’s importance cannot be understated. From medical devices and electronics to aviation and aerospace, high-value manufacturing is integral to both industry and consumers. As the world economy continues to transform, there is a defining opportunity for Florida’s manufacturing sector to sow the seeds of economic success and deliver recurring taxpayer value; however, capturing the opportunity will require collaborative action and strategic investment.

Florida’s manufacturing ecosystem is large and diverse, home to more than 22,000 establishments stretching across urban and rural areas, producing a variety of goods, such as computers, pharmaceuticals, batteries, medical devices, and semiconductors. More than 80 percent of manufacturing companies in the state employ 20 or fewer workers, showcasing the enormous benefit the sector has to small and local businesses.”

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