Staff Writer
As the tech industry continues to expand beyond traditional coastal strongholds, Florida is emerging as a top destination for innovation, talent, and business development in the Southern United States. A new study by Commercial Cafe evaluated Southern metro areas with populations over 200,000 has placed several Florida cities—including Orlando and Tampa—among the region’s top 20 technology hubs.
The rankings analyzed factors such as tech job density, median earnings, industry growth, and quality of life. Four Florida cities made the list: Orlando (ranked #20), Tampa (#18), Jacksonville (#19), and Palm Bay (#15), signaling the state’s growing prominence in the tech economy.
Orlando: A Rising Star in Simulation and Innovation
Orlando, long known for tourism and entertainment, is gaining national recognition for its technological capabilities—particularly in simulation and modeling. With a strong academic pipeline from the University of Central Florida (UCF), one of the country’s largest universities by enrollment, the city has successfully fostered a tech ecosystem that supports startups, defense contractors, and established firms alike.
Orlando posted strong scores in tech employment growth and quality of life, with a notable Life Quality Index score of 8.49. The city’s median tech earnings grew steadily, and organizations like the National Center for Simulation and UCF’s Research Park continue to attract defense and aerospace tech firms.
Tampa: A Cybersecurity Powerhouse
Tampa placed slightly higher at #18, bolstered by a growing reputation in cybersecurity. Local firms such as ReliaQuest have helped position the city as a leader in protecting digital infrastructure. The area also benefits from robust startup activity, with incubators like Tampa Bay Wave supporting tech entrepreneurs and recently surpassing $1 billion in capital funding for member startups.
Tampa reported solid growth in tech establishments and posted a strong 4.17 rating in earnings growth. Its strategic location and supportive business environment continue to draw interest from investors and tech talent alike.
Other Florida Cities on the Rise
Palm Bay and Jacksonville also earned spots in the top 20, thanks to competitive wage growth and expanding tech sectors. Palm Bay, ranked #15, benefits from its proximity to Florida’s Space Coast and a concentration of aerospace and defense employers. Jacksonville (#19) showed consistent performance in tech employment growth and quality of life.
Why Smaller Southern Metros Matter
The rankings highlight a key trend: the rise of smaller metro areas in tech. Eight of the top 20 cities have populations under one million, and four—including Wilmington, N.C., and Fayetteville, Ark.—have fewer than 500,000 residents. These markets are increasingly attractive to small- and mid-sized companies looking to scale without the costs associated with larger urban centers. They also provide local professionals with opportunities to build tech careers closer to home.
Florida’s Tech Future Looks Bright
Overall, 14 of the top 20 metro areas reported growth in tech establishments over the past five years, with Texas and Florida cities leading the way. While traditional strongholds like Washington, D.C. and Baltimore remain at the top of the list, Florida’s continued momentum in areas like Orlando and Tampa signals a broader shift in where tech innovation is taking root.
As affordability, quality of life, and local talent pipelines become more critical in the decision-making process for tech firms, Florida’s metros—especially Orlando—are poised to continue climbing the ranks in the years ahead.
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