Florida Export Guide 2016

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4 Florida.Think.Global 2016 Florida Export Guide
Dear Florida Business Owner:
Florida is a major force in
international trade and job
creation, thanks to our location
as America’s gateway to Central and South
America and our robust transportation
infrastructure.
We want Florida to be first in job cre-
ation, and our pro-business, low-tax policies
are helping Florida be the top place for jobs. As a result,
Florida’s hard-working businesses have created more than one
million jobs in just five years. More than 61,000 Florida com-
panies export their goods and services overseas, contributing
to nearly $54 billion in exports in 2015, and ranking Florida
as the sixth largest export state in the nation.
Florida is already a leader in trade with Latin America, the
Caribbean, and South America, but we are not limited to the
Western Hemisphere. Led by Enterprise Florida, a network
of international trade and economic development partners
is helping businesses throughout the state find new markets
worldwide.
Ongoing investment in Florida’s trade infrastructure also
is creating new opportunities with trading partners and
attracting new export-ready enter-
prises to the state. In addition to
Florida’s 15 deepwater seaports,
the Sunshine State is home to 19
airports with commercial service.
This includes Miami International
Airport, the nation’s top hub for inter-
national air cargo. Our state also is served by
2,700 miles of rail lines and 12,000 miles of state highways.
International business is a vital component of our economy
here in Florida and is responsible for supporting over two
million jobs. I’m delighted to see that Enterprise Florida has
spearheaded the development of the Florida Export Guide,
which is available in print and online.The guide will be a
valuable resource for both new exporters and for companies
looking to expand into new markets.
Sincerely,
Rick Scott
Governor
Gulf Power’s Florida First Sites program
adds certified industrial sites to Northwest
Florida’s portfolio of competitive advantages.
McCallum Sweeney Consulting provides
an objective analysis which accelerates
speed to market and gives companies the
confidence to make Northwest Florida their
prime choice for future growth.
OUR SITES
ARE SET ON
FLORIDA’S
GROWTH.
For more information, contact
Rick Byars, Gulf Power
Community and Economic
Development Manager,
at 850.444.6750 or
Governor Rick Scott
2016: Making Florida First for Jobs