Florida manufacturers seek increased output — and clout

The desire to diversify Florida’s economic sectors — away from over-relying on real estate, development and tourism — is as old as a smokestack factory.

But that doesn’t mean it isn’t working, albeit incrementally. Supporters of the Sunshine State’s manufacturing sector, for one, boast about several gains in that industry in recent years, detailed in a new report, From Grease & Grime to Technology & Talent. The report is from Florida TaxWatch, in conjunction with CareerSource Florida, the Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Chamber Foundation and the Florida Manufacturing & Logistics Council. In addition to stats and suggested strategies to grow the sector, the report summarizes the findings of the second annual FloridaMakes 2019 Florida MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, held May 31 in Orlando.