News Summary
Carnival Corporation has announced its relocation from Doral to the Waterford Business District near Miami International Airport. This move, effective soon, will see the construction of a new headquarters spanning up to 700,000 square feet to accommodate over 2,000 employees. Doral’s Mayor expressed disappointment at the departure, though plans for new business opportunities remain optimistic. Meanwhile, VSE Corporation has also announced its relocation to Miramar, further emphasizing the growth and business potential in South Florida.
Florida – Carnival Corporation has announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters from Doral to the Waterford Business District, situated near Miami International Airport. This significant move, made public on May 5, is expected to bring numerous operational benefits to the cruise line giant, which has been a staple in Doral since the 1980s.
The new headquarters will span between 600,000 to 700,000 square feet and will be constructed on a 15-acre parcel of land, purchased for $26.9 million. Designed to accommodate over 2,000 employees, this multi-building campus will serve as the primary location for most of Carnival’s North American shoreside team members. The facility is expected to be completed by 2028.
Doral Mayor Christi Fraga expressed disappointment over the headquarters’ move but remains optimistic that another company will take over the Carnival campus once vacated. The Doral headquarters encompasses 470,000 square feet, which was already slated for downsizing prior to this relocation announcement. Until the moving process is completed, employees at the Doral location will continue to work there.
With a history dating back to its founding by the Arison family in the 1980s, Carnival Corporation has become an integral part of the Doral community. Micky Arison, the son of founder Ted Arison, currently owns the Miami Heat basketball team. The decision to relocate signals a shift in the company’s operational strategy as it seeks to modernize its workspace.
The Waterford Business District is home to several multinational companies, including fast-food giants like Subway and Burger King, thus establishing an environment conducive to corporate collaboration and networking. The new headquarters will be tailored to meet the evolving needs of the workforce, featuring collaborative spaces, private work areas, and numerous meeting rooms.
The trend of companies returning employees to in-office environments post-COVID is reflected in Carnival’s decision. As a foreign corporation registered in Panama, Carnival’s federal tax obligations differ from domestic companies, although it continues to pay property tax. In 2024, Carnival Corporation paid approximately $1.1 million in taxes for its Doral property. This strategic relocation aligns with broader industry trends and the company’s long-term vision for growth.
Meanwhile, VSE Corporation has also announced a new headquarters relocation to Miramar, Florida, where it will co-locate with its Aviation segment headquarters and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) center. The new facility will be located at 3361 Enterprise Way, adding to VSE’s existing employee base of roughly 250 in South Florida with plans to add 110 new jobs over the next five years.
VSE’s choice to move was bolstered by support from Broward County, the City of Miramar, and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance. The company aims to strengthen its commitment to the South Florida aerospace community and enhance collaboration among its staff. An investment of around $3.5 million will go toward tenant improvements in the new Miramar headquarters, located within the Miramar Park of Commerce, a strategic location between Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Future developments in the area, including a mixed-use town center featuring restaurants, retail shops, a hotel, and apartments, further highlight the area’s attractiveness for businesses. Cushman & Wakefield acted as the exclusive advisor during the relocation process for VSE Corporation, reinforcing the potential for future growth in South Florida.
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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.
