News Summary
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will lead a trade delegation to Italy to strengthen economic ties. The trip will include visits to major cities and representatives from various sectors, reflecting Florida’s significant role in international trade, particularly with Italy as its 14th largest trade partner.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is set to lead a trade delegation to Italy from November 11 to November 15, aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two regions. This visit comes as part of a broader strategy to expand Florida’s international trade relationships and to explore opportunities across various sectors.
The delegation will visit major Italian cities, including Rome, Viareggio, Florence, Turin, and Milan. The trip will include representatives from sectors such as higher education, transportation and logistics, aerospace and aviation, military and defense, healthcare, life sciences, and manufacturing.
Last year, Florida and Italy engaged in a substantial bilateral trade exchange, valued at $4.4 billion. This economic tie underscores Italy’s importance as Florida’s 14th largest international trade partner, with robust industries in military defense, aerospace, marine, life sciences, and health technology.
Alongside DeSantis, members of the delegation will include FloridaCommerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly and several prominent university presidents, indicating a strong focus on collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders.
Florida’s Economic Landscape
Florida is known for its favorable business environment, characterized by a zero personal income tax and low regulatory requirements, making it an attractive destination for businesses looking to operate in the United States. The state’s logistics capabilities are particularly noteworthy, with major deep-water seaports like Port Everglades playing a crucial role in statewide and international trade.
If Florida were considered a country, it would rank as the 15th largest economy globally, boasting a gross state product of $1.3 trillion. This economic strength is bolstered by the movement of goods through Florida’s extensive transportation network; over $190 billion worth of goods traverse its ports and airports annually, with businesses exporting around $68 billion to over 180 countries. Furthermore, approximately 20% of all U.S. exporters are based in Florida, highlighting the state’s significant role in global trade.
Port Everglades and Future Growth
Port Everglades stands out as one of the most active cargo ports in the United States, contributing nearly $30 billion to the local economy. To further enhance its logistics services, the port is undergoing expansion, with two new warehouses set to be constructed: a 199,624-square-foot facility by Seagis Property Group and a 171,983-square-foot development by Bridge Industrial.
The port also serves as the leading gateway for U.S. trade with Latin America, managing an impressive 13% of all U.S./Latin American trade. This strategic position complements Florida’s broader economic goals, embodied in the “Florida 2030 Blueprint.” This initiative aims to elevate Florida into the 10th largest economy globally by 2030, with ongoing studies to ensure competitiveness in trade, logistics, and manufacturing for the coming decade.
Conclusion
The upcoming trade mission to Italy presents a vital opportunity for Florida to reinforce and advance its economic relationships in Europe. With a focus on multiple sectors and a strong foundation in logistics and trade, Florida is strategically positioned to expand its economic horizons through initiatives like this trade delegation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Florida Politics: Gov. DeSantis Announces Italy Trade Mission
- Inbound Logistics: Florida Channeling Global Success
- NBC Miami: Trade Tariffs and South Florida Imports
- SeafoodSource: Florida Cold Chain Logistics Company Response to Tariffs
- Wikipedia: Economy of Florida
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
