{"id":65,"date":"2025-12-02T09:43:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T09:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextpayglobal.com\/blog\/?p=65"},"modified":"2026-06-22T15:46:10","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T15:46:10","slug":"florida-foreign-investment-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextpayglobal.com\/blog\/florida-foreign-investment-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Florida Is the World’s Gateway for Business \u2014 And What It Means for Your Cross-Border Payments"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Foreign
Nextpay Global helps international companies manage FX and cross-border payments in Central Florida<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Florida foreign investment is accelerating faster than most international businesses realise. Florida is no longer just a tourism and retirement destination \u2014 it is one of the most dynamic Florida foreign investment destinations in the United States. If your company is establishing or expanding operations in Central Florida, understanding the Florida foreign investment landscape is the first step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Florida Foreign Investment: A State Built for Global Business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Florida punches well above its weight on the world stage. According to SelectFlorida’s Trade & FDI research<\/strong><\/a>, in 2024 nearly $197 billion in goods<\/strong> flowed through Florida’s airports and seaports \u2014 reinforcing the state’s role as a genuine global trade hub. The state is the 6th largest export state in the US<\/strong>, with Florida-origin exports reaching $72.2 billion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The employment picture is equally compelling. Foreign-owned firms in Florida support over 417,000 jobs<\/strong> and account for $97.7 billion in gross property, plant, and equipment investment \u2014 a figure that grew 4.5% in a single year. Florida recorded the 3rd largest increase in FDI-related employment in the entire country<\/strong>, and over the past decade the number of FDI-supported jobs has grown by 60%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most recently, fiscal year 2024\u20132025 saw SelectFlorida establish 35 new Florida foreign investment projects, resulting in more than $301 million in capital investment and 2,500+ new jobs \u2014 part of a record-breaking $1.9 billion in export sales for the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Florida’s overall economy, with a Gross State Product of approximately $1.7 trillion<\/strong>, is the fourth-largest in the US and ranks as the 15th largest economy in the world \u2014 ahead of Spain and behind South Korea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Sectors Attracting the Most International Investment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Florida’s economy has transformed over the past 30 years. Once anchored by agriculture, construction, and tourism, it has deliberately diversified into higher-wage, globally competitive sectors. Here is where international businesses are planting their flags:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Life Sciences & MedTech<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Florida foreign investment<\/strong> in life sciences is growing rapidly with approximately 6,700 life sciences companies<\/strong> employing around 100,000 workers. The Pinellas County corridor on the west coast is a recognised hub for medical technology, while Central Florida drives innovation through university research parks and simulation technology. European life sciences and pharmaceutical companies increasingly use Florida as their US launchpad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aerospace & Defense<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With more than 2,300 aerospace and aviation companies in the state, Florida is a global player in this sector. The Space Coast around Kennedy Space Center \u2014 home to SpaceX, NASA, and the US Space Force \u2014 is drawing a growing cluster of manufacturers and R&D firms. International companies such as AURA AERO (France) have announced major manufacturing facilities in Florida, creating thousands of jobs. The UK-headquartered Field International recently selected Florida for its US headquarters after a nationwide search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technology & Financial Services<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Orlando ranks consistently among the top US cities for job creation<\/strong>, with $113.4 billion generated from the tech sector. The Central Florida Research Park \u2014 one of the largest in the country \u2014 employs over 53,000 people. At the same time, major financial firms have relocated from high-tax states like New York, drawn by Florida’s zero state income tax and its proximity to Latin American markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Real Estate & Professional Services<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Real estate and development is Florida’s single largest economic contributor, accounting for an estimated 23.3% of Gross State Product. International law firms, real estate developers, and professional services companies are expanding steadily as the population migration to Florida continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hospitality & Tourism<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Florida welcomed a record 143.3 million tourists in 2025<\/strong>. International hotel groups, restaurant chains, and hospitality operators view Central Florida \u2014 with its dual airport infrastructure in Orlando and Tampa \u2014 as an essential footprint for their North American operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Companies Choose Central Florida Specifically<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Within the broader Florida story, the Tampa\u2013Orlando corridor holds a distinctive position. Central Florida offers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n