The Florida Factor
Florida is known for its large population, #1 educational system, and business-friendly climate. However, Florida also has existing strengths and over $400M in recent investments in R&D, workforce development, and capital infrastructure to expand semiconductor manufacturing, testing, and advanced packaging.
5th Largest Semiconductor Workforce
Florida ranks fifth in the nation in semiconductor workforce, with nearly 13,000 semiconductor employees. The vision of Florida is to double this number by 2030.
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Florida also boasts the 3rd largest number of semiconductor sites, with concentrations in Melbourne/Palm Bay, Orlando, Tampa/St. Petersburg, and Gainesville. Additionally, just south of Orlando lies Neocity, a 500-acre, high-tech semiconductor manufacturing campus situated in a Federal Opportunity Zone. Florida’s semiconductor industry has significant ties to aerospace and defense, including Space Florida, Space Force, and a multitude of defense contractors.
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Florida’s flagship university, UF is the powerhouse for R&D including microelectronics, semiconductors, chips, assurance, and advanced packaging – being top 5 public institution in the nation, boasting over $1.25B in research expenditures annually.
Florida Governor DeSantis remarked “It’s a testament to the quality of what we’re doing at the University of Florida, a testament to the hard work of the faculty, the students and the administration,” he said. (source: The Gainesville Sun)
Extensive Student Talent
Florida has over 300,000 students enrolled in our 12 state universities We also have an additional 500,000 in our 27 state colleges pursuing high-quality, affordable academic and career educational programs. Established by statute in 2021, the Executive Office of the Governor’s Office of Reimagining Education and Career Help (REACH) Office facilitates alignment and coordination of entities responsible for Florida’s workforce development system.
Learn about REACH Office