Recognizing the essential role manufacturing plays in the growth of a diverse economy, one of the Florida 2030 Blueprint’s goals is to significantly grow Florida into a top five state for manufacturing jobs. Since the release of the Blueprint in 2018, Florida has added 58,300 manufacturing jobs, now ranking #11 in the country—surpassing New York and trailing Georgia by 8,000 jobs. In 2010, the Florida Chamber Foundation released the first Trade and Logistics Report. Then-Governor Scott used this report to advocate for deepening PortMiami and accelerating logistics and manufacturing jobs in Florida. The updated Florida Trade & Logistics 2030 Study highlights the need to increase manufacturing within the state, enhance supply chain and logistics operations, and multiply impacts (every ten manufacturing jobs create twenty ancillary jobs in areas such as logistics, legal services, financing, and warehousing).
Recently, I participated in an endorsement event for US Senator Rick Scott at Ascend Engineering. I met owners Karen and Scott Hadley and learned how their business supports our military's efforts to defend freedom. As I prepared to endorse Senator Scott, I was reminded that free enterprise wouldn't exist without the freedoms our military defends daily. A banner on their shop floor read: “we do this not because it is easy, but because we thought it would be easy.” Karen Hadley shared how they started their business thinking it would be easy but found running a local business challenging yet worthwhile. Their son Stephen was set to deploy one week later to defend our nation.
While participating in the endorsement event, I reflected on how individuals like Karen and Scott Hadley embody America's hope and promise through their hard work and craftsmanship.
According to TheFloridaScorecard.org, Florida has 427,600 manufacturing jobs but needs an additional 139,100 to surpass Pennsylvania's current fifth-place ranking. Manufacturing jobs represent 4.3% of Florida’s employment with an average wage of $78,060—$11,638 higher than Florida’s average wage. The Florida Trade & Logistics 2030 Study recommends creating a full-time Chief Manufacturing Officer position within the Department of Commerce. By leveraging Governor DeSantis' leadership and coordinating multiple state agencies' efforts alongside organizations like FloridaMakes, there is a concerted push to support and grow manufacturing in Florida.
The impact of the manufacturing industry will be highlighted at the upcoming Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit on August 22 in Orlando. Attendees are invited to register for insights into innovations being made in Florida.
For further engagement with ongoing efforts to boost Florida's manufacturing sector year-round, contact Dr. Keith Richard at krichard@flchamber.com.