Florida Brain / Regional Economy

Orlando–Osceola

Semiconductor facilities in Osceola and simulation expertise in Orlando connect specialized production with technical talent.

See this region on the map ↗

The Economic Read

NeoCity gives semiconductor companies access to physical facilities, while UCF's simulation research provides a separate concentration of engineering expertise. The Florida Semiconductor Engine adds a vehicle for translating research into products and workforce programs. These capabilities support diversification beyond the visitor economy, but funding commitments alone do not demonstrate commercial sales or sustained employment.

Floridanomics analysis, based on the institutions and sources below. Not an official forecast or a measured impact estimate.

Employers to Know

Selected examples, not a ranking or a complete employer census.

SkyWater Florida

NeoCity identifies SkyWater Florida as the operator of the Center for Neovation, with microelectronics research and advanced packaging capabilities.

Osceola County · NeoCity current innovation ↗Source date / page checked: 2026-09-11

Research & Commercialization

UCF Institute for Simulation & Training

Research in modeling, simulation and training links the university with applications in defense and other technical fields.

UCF · Institute for Simulation & Training ↗Source date / page checked: 2026-09-11

Projects & Operating Milestones

Funding awardedMarch 23, 2026

Florida Semiconductor Engine, Phase 2

The Engine announced advancement to Phase 2, with up to $15 million annually for three years, or up to $45 million. That ceiling is conditional program funding, not a statement that the full amount has been spent or invested in a single plant.

Florida Semiconductor Engine · Phase 2 ↗Source date / page checked: 2026-03-23

Other Regional Anchors

NeoCity

NeoCity is Osceola County’s 500-acre technology campus, south of Orlando. Its Center for Neovation is a semiconductor fabrication facility supporting the district’s technology ecosystem.

Osceola County · What is NeoCity? ↗Source date / page checked: 2026-09-08

Workforce & Pay

Selected County Benchmarks

Jobs in March 2026. Average weekly wages in Q1 2026.

All industries, public and private employers
County	Jobs	Weekly wage
Orange	961,014	$1,432
Osceola	119,278	$1,087

BLS QCEW counts covered jobs by place of work, not residents in the labor force. Wages are nominal averages across covered jobs, not median household income or pay in a specific occupation. Data are not seasonally adjusted and may be revised.

These counties are reference points, not totals for the illustrated map region. Counties and map pieces have different boundaries.

BLS QCEW source data ↗Retrieved 2026-09-27

What to Watch

Track Phase 2 funding obligations, company participation, technician training and products reaching customers. Keep the Engine's statewide footprint separate from Orange and Osceola county statistics.

Explore statewide talent & wage comparisons →