The State of Florida and the Minister of Economic Affairs of Baden-Württemberg, Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand cooperation in investment, innovation, and technological competitiveness. The agreement sets a framework for collaboration in sectors such as aerospace and aviation, manufacturing, life sciences, and advanced technology.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for our state,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “By signing this Memorandum of Understanding, Florida and Baden-Württemberg formalize a year-long effort—bringing together government, industry and academia to drive outcomes across key sectors including aerospace and aviation, manufacturing, life sciences and advanced technology.”
“Baden-Württemberg and Florida are strong business regions that share a clear commitment to shaping the industries of the future,” said Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister of Economic Affairs, Labor and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg. “This partnership allows us to jointly advance innovation and competitiveness in strategic sectors such as aerospace, mobility, clean energy and digital technologies. By bringing together our strengths and networks, we are creating new opportunities for companies, driving growth, and securing high-quality jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The MOU follows discussions that began in July 2024 when Secretary Kelly visited Stuttgart to meet with the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Further talks took place at Arab Health in January 2025 with representatives from SelectFlorida and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration meeting officials from Baden-Württemberg. In June 2025, Governor DeSantis led a trade mission to France where he met with Minister Hoffmeister-Kraut during the International Paris Air Show.
Florida’s economy is recognized internationally; if it were an independent country it would rank as the 15th largest economy globally with an annual GDP nearing $1.8 trillion. The state leads in new business formations and workforce development according to rankings by CNBC and U.S. News & World Report.
The MOU outlines commitments from both parties to promote partnerships in areas including aviation/aerospace, automotive solutions such as advanced air mobility, smart manufacturing practices, medical technologies within life sciences, workforce development initiatives, advanced technology/innovation efforts, defense-related dual-use technologies as well as construction codes focused on resilience.
In 2024 merchandise trade between Florida and Germany reached $7.2 billion—a 12.1% increase over 2023—making Germany Florida’s seventh-largest trading partner. Exports from Florida to Germany grew by 27.6% year-over-year to $1.4 billion.
To view the full Memorandum of Understanding,
click here.
