What Makes Florida a Major Manufacturing Player?

As boaters cruise their favorite destinations this summer, there’s a good chance they may be riding on a Florida-made boat—and as they drive or lather on sunscreen, they might just have the Sunshine State to thank then, too. For example, did you know that boat brand Boston Whaler, and Edgewell Personal Care, who produces Hawaiian Tropic and Banana Boat, both manufacture in the Greater Daytona Region?

Many familiar products, parts and more come from Florida manufacturers—helping to shape the state’s role as a key player in the national and global economy. But what is it about Florida, and especially the Greater Daytona Region, that makes it a manufacturing haven? Just read on to find out.

Tax exemptions

Florida is known for its business-friendly tax climate for all kinds of industries—and for manufacturing specifically, there are unique exemptions that make it a top state to choose. These include exemptions on machinery and equipment for new and expanding Florida manufacturers; labor, parts and materials for repairing those items; research and development equipment to create new products; space tech and aircraft parts; electricity for manufacturing; and much more.

Diversity of opportunities

Manufacturing thrives in the Greater Daytona Region, but the field is not limited to a few select industries. Rather, Florida’s business-friendly climate (and physical climate, too!) welcomes a wide variety of industries to call the region “home.” In Volusia County alone, 400-plus manufacturers make everything from boats to simulators to medical technology, aircraft and more, thanks to the wide variety of resources and local talent to pull from. When companies make the decision to expand or relocate to the area, they are in good company, and can benefit greatly from the existing programs and manufacturing relationships that exist through the state—and most especially in the Greater Daytona Region.

Affordable wages

For companies considering a move to the Sunshine State for their manufacturing needs, the Greater Daytona Region provides an attractive advantage over other cities throughout the state: its competitively affordable wages. For the manufacturing industry, average wages are $43,130, which are lower than those found in Miami, Tallahassee, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando and Melbourne while still providing employees access to the quality of life that the Greater Daytona Region is known for.

Key location

Volusia County is strategically located at the crossroads of I-95 and I-4, making it a prime location for transporting manufacturing goods across the state with ease.

Florida’s heritage

Florida’s manufacturing excellence lends itself, in large part, to the state’s rich heritage. Man first stepped on the moon after launching from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center—and the Greater Daytona Region enjoys many opportunities for aerospace manufacturing, helped by its proximity to that pivotal spaceflight landmark. Florida is also a top spot for boaters and other leisure seekers, making it a natural place to base boat-building and other types of operations.

Florida is famous for its manufacturing thanks to the state’s business-friendly practices, tax climate, and constantly growing pool of talent from local schools and training programs. Learn more about Florida’s manufacturing opportunities by calling Team Volusia today!