FloridaMakes

08/26/2026

Florida manufacturers are building products, creating jobs, and strengthening communities across the state.

Yesterday, FloridaMakes joined the South Florida Manufacturers Association, Congressman Brian Mast and his team, and the Expert Shutter Services team for a tour of the company’s new facility in Port St. Lucie.

The visit gave us a closer look at Expert Shutter Services’ manufacturing operations, including its Ultrascreen System, and created an opportunity to discuss the needs, opportunities, and continued growth of manufacturing across the Treasure Coast.

We appreciate SFMA’s partnership in bringing manufacturers, industry leaders, and public officials together to support Florida’s manufacturing community.

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08/18/2026

Manufacturers don't just build great products; they build great people.

The Florida Manufacturer Apprentice of the Year Awards recognize the employers and apprenticeship sponsors who are investing in Florida's future manufacturing workforce by developing skilled talent through apprenticeship.

If your organization has an apprentice who represents your commitment to workforce development, we'd love to celebrate that success.

Nominations close September 15, 2026. Winners will be recognized at the FloridaMakes Workforce Excellence Awards Ceremony in Orlando this October.

➡️ Submit your nomination today: https://floridamakes.jotform.com/261057017396963

08/11/2026

Most people do not realize how much manufacturing is growing in Florida.

Florida’s manufacturing output has grown by 98.4% since 2014, reflecting a sector that is larger, stronger, and more important to the state’s economy than many people may think.

Behind that growth are manufacturers making products, creating jobs, adopting new technologies, strengthening supply chains, and building opportunities in communities across Florida.

For manufacturers, growth also brings new challenges: workforce needs, operational capacity, technology decisions, supply chain pressures, and planning for what comes next.

That is where FloridaMakes can help.

FloridaMakes Business Advisors work directly with manufacturers to understand their goals, identify challenges, and connect them with the right resources, partners, and next steps.

Are you a manufacturer in Florida?

Start with a no-cost performance assessment.
http://floridamakes.com/service-offerings/performance-assessment

08/07/2026

Florida's efforts to build a strong semiconductor workforce are being recognized by international industry media.

Cleanroom Technology recently featured St. Petersburg College's new Semiconductor Cleanroom Operator Certificate and the collaborative work taking place to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing.

FloridaMakes, through FLATE, is proud to support education and workforce initiatives that connect students with high-demand careers while helping manufacturers develop the skilled talent they need.

Congratulations to St. Petersburg College, Jabil, and everyone involved in making this program possible.

Read the full story: https://www.cleanroomtechnology.com/st-petersburg-college-launches-semiconductor-cleanroom-operator-certificate

07/29/2026

Manufacturers do not have to solve business challenges alone.

Meet Jolee Martin, FloridaMakes Regional Director for Northwest Florida.

Jolee works directly with manufacturers to help identify challenges, prioritize opportunities, and connect companies with the right resources for workforce, operations, supplier connections, facility planning, and growth.

Learn more about Jolee and how FloridaMakes Business Advisors support manufacturers across the state:

For many manufacturers, the hardest part of solving a business challenge is knowing where to start.

07/20/2026

Florida manufacturers need access to the right tools to grow, invest, and strengthen their workforce.

Join FloridaMakes for Financial Tools to Build Your Manufacturing Business on Thursday, July 24 at 10:00 a.m. ET.

This webinar will cover financing opportunities for working capital, long-term fixed assets, and workforce upskilling.

Featured speakers include Jennifer Krause of First Capital Finance and Michael Aller of FloridaMakes.

Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/An6fP3lXWJh4vhDmornUmXxTDOpyUVl2rAoi5RWsGfqPKAzWqRZu~AsUHuJLD_grrkKTE9AF6wMcG9ri2a7xwaU8Bd_-9z_DQX2w7B8Yq8pLF_4TAAJ0fA8EGWX9f3WBZxUMNcrZFoWSNCA

06/17/2026

Florida manufacturing is putting more people to work.

Manufacturing employment in Florida has reached its highest level in more than two decades, with more than 430,000 jobs statewide.

That growth is a strong signal for Florida’s economy, but it also raises an important question for manufacturers:

Can your workforce pipeline keep pace with your growth?

FloridaMakes supports manufacturers working to strengthen talent strategies, apprenticeship pathways, and workforce partner connections. If workforce is limiting your growth, reach out to FloridaMakes to strengthen your talent pipeline.

06/03/2026

Florida’s manufacturing footprint is growing.

Over the past decade, the number of manufacturing establishments in Florida grew from 19,253 in 2014 to 27,224 in 2024.

That growth reflects a sector that is expanding across communities, regions, and industries. It also creates a growing need for skilled talent, stronger supply chains, technology adoption, and practical support for manufacturers.

FloridaMakes works with manufacturers across the state to help identify challenges, connect resources, and support solutions that strengthen Florida’s manufacturing economy.

Florida manufacturing is growing. Our work is to help manufacturers grow stronger.

06/02/2026

Florida manufacturers: hurricane season is here.

Now is the time to review your business continuity plan, supply chain risks, workforce readiness, and recovery resources.

Disruption can move quickly. Preparation gives your team a clearer path to keep operating, protect your people, and recover faster.

FloridaMakes has disaster readiness resources designed specifically for manufacturers, including:
• Business continuity risk assessment
• Disaster readiness tools
• Supply chain disruption planning
• Cybersecurity assessments
• Workforce cross-training and resiliency support
• FloridaCommerce Business Damage Assessment Survey
• 2026 Hurricane Prep Checklist for Florida Manufacturers

A strong plan should not wait until a storm is on the radar.

Review the resources and download the checklist: https://www.floridamakes.com/service-offerings/disaster-resources

05/29/2026

Missed our AI webinar for manufacturers? The recording is now available.

This session is a practical starting point for manufacturers exploring how AI can help improve efficiency, reduce manual work, support quality documentation, and identify workflows that are ready for improvement.

Watch the full FloridaMakes webinar, AI Practical Solutions for Manufacturers, here: https://youtu.be/Ijcigs9U8bs