The South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA)
Manufacturing the Right Directions for a Thriving Industry
South Florida Manufacturers are looking forward to 2025 with the right technology solutions, relevant partnerships and the resilience for continued success
Manufacturing has always been the backbone of economic progress and prosperity, driving job creation, innovation, and contributing to a diversified and prosperous economy. In recent years, the manufacturing sector has undergone a transformation, driven by technological advancements, supply chain shifts, disruptions, and external economic factors that have posed challenges for growth. For manufacturers in South Florida, these changes present both significant challenges and exciting opportunities.
Florida is now considered the 10th largest state for manufacturing in the United States and is home to over 424,000 employees and more than 24,000 manufacturers. Additionally, the GDP of the manufacturing sector from 2014 through 2022 experienced a faster rate of growth than any other state. The manufacturing industry in South Florida is a dynamic and vital pillar of the region’s economic framework.
The South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA) covers Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, as well as the Treasure Coast. As a region, the SFMA is home to over 6,000 manufacturing companies and is considered one of the largest regional manufacturing associations in the state of Florida. The employment base in South Florida represents about 25 percent of Florida’s 424,000 manufacturing employees.
Some Key Challenges:
- Workforce Development: Similar to many industries, one of the most pressing issues in the manufacturing sector is the shortage of skilled labor and the need for upskilling. With automation and advanced manufacturing technologies becoming more prevalent, the demand for a highly trained workforce has never been greater. In South Florida, manufacturers are grappling with a widening skills gap, where the available labor pool sometimes lacks the specialized training required to meet the evolving needs of the industry. This shortage poses a significant challenge, limiting manufacturers’ ability to keep up with technological advancements and compete on a global scale.
- Economic Landscape: Manufacturing in South Florida faces numerous challenges, including the cost of living for employees and families, business and property insurance, and rising rents. Prior to COVID, industrial rent was approximately $8 to $10 per square foot; now, that rate has increased to nearly $20 per square foot. Additionally, the scarcity of land poses challenges for expansion, as land costs have also doubled in recent years. These economic challenges have led some manufacturers to consider relocating out of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties to other parts of Florida or out of state altogether.

SFMA Board from left to right: Orlando Kenny, Matthew Rocco, Donna Bean, Chris Shea, Andrea Lara, Ana Sasmiresan, Teri Kaye, Jim Birch, Maike Krainz, Stephanie Mason, Christine Bitner, Joe Acquaviva
Key Successes:
Despite the challenges outlined above, Florida and South Florida’s manufacturing sector have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, securing significant wins in recent years. As mentioned earlier, Florida is now the 10th largest state for manufacturing in the U.S., home to over 424,000 employees and more than 24,000 manufacturers. The GDP of the state’s manufacturing sector from 2014 through 2022 grew at a faster rate than that of any other state. The primary verticals of manufacturing in South Florida include medical device manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, aerospace/aviation, fabrication, printing, and marine, among others.
Areas of Success:
- Technological Adoption: Some manufacturers in South Florida are embracing Industry 4.0, integrating technologies like automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations, reduce waste, and improve productivity. By adopting these technologies, manufacturers are not only enhancing their competitiveness but also creating new opportunities for innovation in product design, customization, and customer service. This technological shift has also fostered a growing need for continuous workforce development, as employees must be trained to operate and maintain these advanced systems.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: South Florida’s manufacturing community has a strong tradition of collaboration, both within the industry and with external partners, including educational institutions, government agencies, and economic development organizations. Through partnerships with local colleges and vocational schools, manufacturers are working to bridge the skills gap by developing targeted training programs that equip workers with the specialized knowledge needed for modern manufacturing jobs.
- Resilience Amid Economic Challenges: The manufacturing sector in South Florida has shown remarkable resilience in the face of economic uncertainty, including the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Manufacturers have adapted to supply chain disruptions by diversifying their supplier base and implementing more flexible production processes. This adaptability has helped businesses remain operational and responsive to market fluctuations, further solidifying South Florida’s reputation as a competitive manufacturing hub.
SFMA’s Role in Leading the Industry Forward:
Amid these challenges and successes, the South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA) has played an indispensable role in supporting the sector’s growth and evolution. For more than 60 years, the SFMA has been the leading voice for the manufacturing industry in South Florida, advocating for policies that promote economic growth, providing resources for workforce development, and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders.
Operational Impact:
Through its collaboration with FloridaMakes (Florida’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership program), the SFMA has demonstrated an operational impact of $2.5 billion on the manufacturing industry in South Florida. This impact has greatly benefited manufacturers through the SFMA’s business advisors, who focus on process improvement, operational efficiencies, and assistance with overcoming operational challenges and fostering growth.
Workforce Development Initiatives:
Recognizing the critical importance of developing a skilled workforce, the SFMA, through partnerships with local educational institutions, is spearheading programs that provide targeted training in advanced manufacturing skills. The association’s apprenticeship programs offer hands-on training opportunities, providing a pathway to stable and well-paying careers in manufacturing. Additionally, the SFMA works closely with manufacturers to identify skill gaps and develop curriculum standards that align with industry needs.
Fostering Innovation and Growth:
SFMA’s annual events, such as the *Manufacturer of the Year Award* and the *Made in South Florida Showcase*, provide manufacturers with platforms to highlight their achievements and connect with potential partners, customers, and investors. These events not only celebrate the successes of the manufacturing community but also foster a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. By promoting best practices and showcasing cutting-edge technologies, the SFMA plays a critical role in driving innovation and helping South Florida manufacturers maintain their competitive edge.
The SFMA is proud of its *Manufacturer of the Year Award*, which is based on process and performance excellence. This award has been a tremendous benefit to manufacturers by emphasizing performance excellence. During the 2022 and 2023 award years, the operational impact has amounted to $270 million, and over 1,000 jobs have been created and/or retained.
AT A GLANCE
The South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA)
What: The main body representing manufacturing members in South Florida to advocate and educate
Where: South Florida, USA
Website: www.sfma.org