Florida is home to nearly 60,000 exporters, the second highest number in the United States. In 2016, Florida companies exported more than $52 billion worth of goods to more than 200 countries around the world – making it the seventh-largest exporting state in the country. Another $38.5 billion worth of services were exported to overseas clients as well. Companies that export grow more quickly and are more resilient to economic downturns than those that do not.
International trade is big business in the state and Enterprise Florida knows what it takes to make it happen. Enterprise Florida assists Florida businesses in expanding into the international marketplace by:
Exporting Assistance
Export Counseling
Six Enterprise Florida Trade Offices, located throughout the state, provide export counseling and advice to Florida manufacturers, export intermediaries, and services companies.
International Trade Events Newsletter
The bi-weekly International Trade Events Newsletter is an excellent way to stay informed about international trade events that are happening around the state and overseas. To sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter, click here.
Overseas Trade Missions and Exhibitions
Enterprise Florida maintains an extensive schedule of overseas trade missions and exhibitions worldwide.
- Export Sales Missions are professionally planned and feature one-on-one appointments with potential business partners overseas.
- Trade Shows allow companies to showcase their products at leading global exhibitions that focus on high-tech industries such as Aviation/Aerospace, Information and Communications Technology, and Life Sciences.
- Team Florida Missions are high-level, high-visibility trade and investment development initiatives led by the Governor of the State and are a part of an aggressive global recruitment and trade development strategy.
- Lower-cost catalog shows are also offered, particularly in selected Asian markets. These programs are an excellent venue for gaining market exposure in potentially lucrative markets with little expense. You can view our current Events Calendar or contact your local Trade Office to sign up to receive notices about upcoming trade events.
Enterprise Florida offers a number of trade grants to help Florida companies grow their export sales through international activities including trade shows, trade missions, Gold Key/Matchmaker programs, Export Marketing Plans, and website localization. Eligible small and medium-sized manufacturers and professional services providers will find that these grants – made possible by the state of Florida – are the tools that help them succeed overseas.
Certificates of Free Sale
Enterprise Florida can prepare Certificates of Free Sale to firms involved in the export of products manufactured in, or distributed from, the state of Florida.These documents verify that the products being exported are freely marketed without restriction and approved for sale in the United States and Florida.
Export Finance
Our offices can guide qualified Florida exporters to local, state, and federal sources that can help finance export transactions. The Florida Export Finance Corporation (FEFC) provides financing for small and medium-sized Florida companies who have difficulty obtaining financial assistance from conventional lending institutions.
International Business Opportunities with the World Bank
Enterprise Florida Inc. (EFI) is one of only seven U.S. organizations selected by the World Bank to serve as a Private Sector Liaison Officer (PSLO). With the knowledge of World Bank funding and procurement opportunities, Florida’s PSLO helps Florida businesses gain access to the billions of dollars in annual World Bank contracts.
To learn more about any of these programs and services, please contact your local Enterprise Florida Trade Office for further information.
