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FLORIDANOMICS
← All regionsRegional profile · Reviewed 2026-09-11

Florida Brain / Regional Economy

South Florida

International commerce and university research connect Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach to markets beyond Florida.

See this region on the map ↗

The Economic Read

South Florida's ports and logistics businesses connect the region to international customers. FIU's engineering facilities and the Research Park at FAU add research and company-development capacity. The development question is how those connections support local product development, specialized services and well-paid employment, alongside the region's established role in moving goods and capital.

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.

Ryder System

The logistics and transportation company locates its corporate headquarters in Coral Gables, connecting management and professional services with a broader freight network.

Ryder · Corporate contact information ↗Source date / page checked: 2026-09-11

Research & Commercialization

FIU Innovation Complex

Phase I's engineering and computing classrooms and laboratories opened for classes in 2025. FIU's March 2026 update describes plans for a second phase with additional research space.

FIU · Campus construction update ↗Source date / page checked: 2026-03-31

Projects & Operating Milestones

PlannedPlans described March 31, 2026

FIU Innovation Complex, Phase II

FIU describes a proposed building of more than 77,000 square feet, including wet and dry laboratories. The published plan is distinct from the completed Phase I building and is not represented here as operating space.

FIU · Campus construction update ↗Source date / page checked: 2026-03-31

Other Regional Anchors

Research Park at FAU

The Research Park at Florida Atlantic University supports research and development companies, university partnerships and technology-led economic development in South Florida.

Research Park at Florida Atlantic University ↗Source date / page checked: 2026-09-08

PortMiami

PortMiami connects international cargo markets with the United States through container terminals, trucking and on-dock rail. Its cargo network includes Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and Europe.

Miami-Dade County · PortMiami Cargo ↗Source date / page checked: 2026-09-08