One year ago, our leadership team was putting the finishing touches on Future Ready: Tampa Bay, our 2026–2028 Strategic Plan. which positions us to compete in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing global economy.
International Services
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Tampa’s an ideal place for international companies to land
Tampa has a rich history as an international city. Generations ago immigrants from Cuba, Spain, Italy and Germany settled here. Today, the Tampa Bay area is home to 3 million people and it’s still a diverse international community that serves as a gateway for global business.
Nearly 500 foreign-owned companies representing nearly 40 nations operate in the Tampa area. Home to the state’s largest port, a top-rated international airport, and a strong talent pipeline, Tampa has the assets required to power the world’s leading corporations.
Why Tampa Bay is appealing to international companies:
- Non-stop air service to more than 100 domestic and international destinations
- Closest deep-water port to the Panama Canal
- Largest port in the state
- 34.5 million consumers within an 8-hour drive
- Extensive and flexible foreign trade zone network
- Conveniently located on the I-4 warehouse and distribution logistics corridor
- Low business taxes, no state income tax
- Cost of living below the U.S. national average
- Talented and multilingual workforce
- Home to nearly 80 colleges, universities and technical schools with a high percentage of international students
Our team works with international companies seeking to invest and create jobs in the Tampa Bay region. We help them navigate the complexities of choosing the right location, talent and infrastructure within the U.S.
Global
Tampa Bay
Global
Tampa Bay
Global Tampa Bay is a regional collaboration between the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, Pinellas County Economic Development and the Pasco Economic Development Council.
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Community
Overview
Community Overview
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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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Tampa International Airport Ranked #1 Best Departing Airport in North America in the 15 to 25 million passenger category
– Airports Council International Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, 2026
Florida ranks #1 for attracting and developing a skilled workforce for third consecutive year
– Lightcast, 2025
#3 Best State for Business
– CNBC, 2025
International Companies Thrive in Tampa
What's New in Tampa Bay?
Over the next five to ten years, thousands of our region’s most experienced workers including welders, technicians, EMTs and paramedics, and other skilled trades professionals are approaching retirement.
If stable local revenues were significantly reduced without an equally dependable replacement, those ratings could come under pressure.
The quality of our workforce has attracted hundreds of companies to our market and fueled the growth of thousands more. Even more impressive than the caliber of Hillsborough County’s workforce is its productivity.