Our Competitive Advantage

We are defined by more than our coastline. Our true strength lies in a 13-county network of industrial synergy, offering unparalleled connectivity and a pro-business climate. By aligning our world-class military installations, deep-water maritime access, and a rapidly expanding aerospace sector, we’ve built an ecosystem where industry thrives. Discover the industries that Northwest Florida has to offer.

Aviation, Aerospace, Defense

Northwest Florida is becoming a serious center of aerospace activity.

Proximity to 6 major aerospace OEMs
6 major aviation military installations
Large aerospace workforce in place
Exiting military grows the workforce every year
Available sites with runway access
Robust aviation training programs
Active R&D: McKinley Climatic Lab, Air Force
Research Lab and the Reef

Manufacturing, Distribution & Logistics

Location and workforce means a growing manufacturing sector.

Proximity to 13 auto and 6 aerospace OEMs
Nearly 930 advanced manufacturers in the region, with a manufacturing workforce of 56,000
Access to over 1,500 maritime manufacturing employees in the region
2 deep-water ports with Foreign Trade Zones
Available site with access to multimodal transportation networks
Robust training programs at all levels
Active R&D: Institute for Human & Machine Cognition and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee

Cybersecurity and IT

Northwest Florida is becoming Florida’s Cyber Coast.

University of West Florida is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education
Florida LambdaRail connectivity
Supportive business networks:
IT Gulf Coast and TeCMEN
Home to DoW cybersecurity commands:
- Center for Information Dominance (NAS Pensacola)
- Navy Information Operations Command (NAS Pensacola)
- 96th Cyberspace Test Group (Eglin AFB)
- 47th Cyberspace Test Squadron (Eglin AFB)

FloridaCommerce's Target Industry Sector Report

Download FloridaCommerce's Target Industry Sector Report to gain deeper state-wide insights into the Target Industry Sectors that bolster our region.

CONTACT US

Florida’s Great Northwest is here to enhance Northwest Florida’s competitive position through industry diversification and quality job growth. Whether you’re a company executive, site selector, or Northwest Floridian, contact us to learn how we can work together.

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