Tampa Bay EDC

Manufacturing

For more personalized information, please contact:

Mitchel Allen

Mitchel Allen

Senior Vice President, Economic Development

Manufacturing is Booming in Florida

Manufacturing might not immediately come to mind when thinking about Florida’s industry leaders, but manufacturing is booming in Florida. And the Tampa Bay region boasts the second largest manufacturing base in the state.

Findings from the 2023 Florida Manufacturing report recently released by FloridaCommerce and FloridaMakes, a public-private advocacy program for the industry, states Tampa Bay has more than 3,500 manufacturers and more than 68,000 workers. 

Over the last 10 years, aviation and aerospace manufacturing were the fastest-growing segments of manufacturing in Florida, according to the report. Furthermore, the state leads the country in boat building and is second in medical device and equipment manufacturing.

Two years after announcing its initial entrance into Hillsborough County, New Jersey-based manufacturer Norwalt is expanding again. Norwalt is moving into a new facility – more than double its original space – and plans to create 20 more jobs over the next three years.

Business
Climate

Business Climate

Whether you’re a startup entrepreneur or CEO of a multimillion-dollar enterprise, Tampa has the business resources you need to thrive: incubators and accelerators, capital providers, chambers of commerce and industry associations.
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Talent

Talent

Tampa Bay is no longer a place for brain drain, but rather brain gain as more new graduates are choosing to stay in Tampa Bay to start their careers in growing industries like IT, healthcare and financial services.
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Industry
Data

Industry Data

Our business development team can walk you through the cost advantages, training programs, and available incentives and qualifications.
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Market
Intelligence

Market Intelligence

Gain insight into what is driving Tampa's economy.
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Relocate to Tampa

Relocate to Tampa

As the commercial and industrial heart of the state, Hillsborough County is a leading location for corporate site selection in North America.
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Quality
of Life

Quality of Life

You can’t beat Tampa Bay’s quality of life. We have at it all: professional sports, live music, vibrant arts and culture, world-class restaurants, dozens of craft breweries, and outdoor activities that you can enjoy all year round.
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Florida moves up in manufacturing employment – Now ranked #10 

– Florida Chamber of Commerce, 2025

Florida ranks #5 on the 2026 State Tax Competitiveness Index

– Tax Foundation 

Florida ranked #1 state in the nation for attracting and developing a skilled workforce for the third consecutive year

– 2025 Talent attraction Scorecard, Lightcast

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“The quality of talent we’ve found in Tampa has been incredible and has helped us accelerate our growth plans. Tampa has been an excellent choice for us and we look forward to continuing to grow our company in this market.”

– Mike Seitel, CEO of Norwalt

Manufacturing Companies Thrive in Tampa Bay

Major Employers

What's New in Tampa Bay?

OrderlyMeds, a medical weight loss company that provides personalized GLP-1 medication combined with comprehensive wrap-around services, is leasing a 50,000 square foot facility in Hillsborough County for pharmaceutical manufacturing and office space.

FOX 13 anchor and reporter Lloyd Sowers visited Norwalt Automation Group’s new 28,000-square-foot facility recently

Last week, Tampa City Councilmembers unanimously approved entering into a ground lease with Opportunity Tampa Bay,

Medability has leased 1,600 square feet in downtown Tampa and plans to create 12 jobs

Cost of Living in Tampa Bay

Compare Tampa Bay with where you correctly live and see how far your salary will go.