South Florida Economic Leaders Forge Stronger Ties in NYC
New York City, Monday, 8 December 2025.
On December 8, 2025, South Florida economic leaders visited New York City to enhance cross-market opportunities, focusing on strategic partnerships to boost growth and collaboration across key industries.
Strengthening Economic Ties
On December 8, 2025, a delegation of South Florida’s economic development organizations, including the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, and the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, embarked on a strategic mission to New York City. The visit, scheduled to begin on December 9, aims to strengthen business ties and explore cross-market opportunities, particularly in technology, finance, and life sciences sectors. This initiative underscores the regions’ commitment to leveraging their unique strengths to foster economic growth and collaboration [1][3].
Economic Landscape and Strategic Goals
South Florida, with a GDP exceeding $533 billion and a population of over 6.3 million, represents one of the most dynamic regional economies in the United States. The region’s economic leaders seek to highlight these strengths during their visit to New York City. As noted by Kelly Smallridge, President & CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, South Florida is becoming an exceptional destination for businesses seeking expansion or relocation, driven by a robust and diverse economy that outpaces national averages in several key sectors [1][3].
Challenges and Opportunities
The visit also addresses challenges facing New York City, such as high taxes and housing costs, which have prompted some businesses to consider relocating to more favorable environments like South Florida. Bob Swindell, President & CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, emphasized the potential for South Florida to attract companies by offering a business-friendly environment and strategic advantages like no state income tax and a multilingual workforce. This mission reflects South Florida’s proactive approach in capitalizing on these opportunities to drive investment and innovation [2][3].
Future Collaboration Prospects
The delegation’s agenda includes one-on-one meetings with New York-based companies and professional advisors to discuss potential partnerships and future steps. These interactions aim to deepen relationships and facilitate the relocation or establishment of regional offices in South Florida. As Rodrick T. Miller, President & CEO of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, mentioned, the trip is about listening, learning, and building partnerships with companies and talent that operate in both regions. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact South Florida’s economic landscape by introducing new businesses and fostering innovation [1][3].