Manufacturing & Logistics
You're in Good Company
Florida is one of the nation’s top 10 states for manufacturing. Over 29,900 manufacturing companies employing over 334,254 people produce a range of goods to transport across the globe. Sarasota County’s Metro is home to over 923 companies producing everything from hurricane impact-resistant windows to fiber optic cables. With a long history of manufacturing and the easy ability to ship worldwide, we’re one of the first calls when it comes to relocating and growing a manufacturing business in Florida.
Sales & Use Tax Exemption
Florida offers special sales and use tax exemptions manufacturing industry including: New Manufacturers –Tthe machinery and equipment must have been purchased, or a purchase agreement made, prior to the date the business first begins to produce a product for inventory or immediate sale. Purchased machinery and equipment must be received within twelve months of the date that production began. And Expanding Manufacturers – Industrial machinery and equipment is exempt from tax when purchased by an expanding business.
Tax-Free Electricity
Charges for electricity used directly and exclusively at a fixed location to operate machinery and equipment that is used to manufacture, process, compound, or produce items of tangible personal property for sale, or to operate pollution control equipment, recycling equipment, maintenance equipment, or monitoring or control equipment used in such operations, may be exempt from the sales tax. If 75 percent or more of the electricity or steam used at the fixed location is used to operate qualifying machinery or equipment, 100 percent of the sales tax on the charges for electricity or steam used at the fixed location is exempt. If less than 75 percent but 50 percent or more of the electricity or steam used at the fixed location is used to operate qualifying machinery or equipment, 50 percent of the sales tax on the charges for electricity or steam used at the fixed location is exempt.
Robust Infrastructure
- 20 Commercial airports
- 15 deepwater seaports
- 2,700 miles of freight rail tracks
- 135,000+ miles of roadway
Florida is one of the nation’s fastest growing states. Sarasota County is located only three hours from Miami, two hours from Orlando, and four hours from Jacksonville. SeaPort Manatee is just next door and is the closest deepwater port to the Panama Canal. Just a little more North, Port Tampa Bay handles almost every imaginable commodity from any corner of the world. Port Tampa Bay offers expertise in three areas of cargo activity: bulk cargo, containerized cargo, and other general cargo including project cargo, roll on/roll off and breakbulk.
TIA Direct Flights
Tampa International Airport offers direct flights to all major U.S. cities coast to coast, and a number of international cities such as London, Toronto, Frankfurt, Zurich and Montreal, among others.
SRQ Direct Flights
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport has direct flights to all major East Coast cities and many MidWest and now West Coast Cities, too. Direct flights include New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Toronto. Denver and Dallas.
Ports & Panama
Just under 25 miles from the center of Sarasota County is one of Florida’s largest and fastest growing deepwater seaports, SeaPort Manatee.
Pro-Business State
Florida offers a pro-business environment that makes it easy for manufacturers to grow and compete globally. With no state income tax, efficient regulations, and a consistently strong business climate, the state encourages innovation and investment across industries. Florida’s skilled workforce, supported by technical colleges, universities, and initiatives like FloridaMakes, provides manufacturers with a steady pipeline of trained professionals ready to meet the demands of modern production.
The state is also a hub for advanced manufacturing in sectors such as aerospace, defense, medical devices, and marine technology. Supported by world-class research institutions and industry partnerships, Florida fosters collaboration and continuous innovation. Combined with low energy costs, affordable real estate, and an exceptional quality of life, manufacturers in Florida benefit from both economic advantages and the ability to attract and retain top talent.
Meet MyUS.com
MyUS.com is an international shipping company that exports e-commerce goods from the US to millions of customers around the world. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Sarasota, MyUS.com employs hundreds of team members in warehouse operations, export compliance, information technology, and other essential roles.
Sarasota County-based Companies
Tax-Free Electricity
Charges for electricity used directly and exclusively at a fixed location to operate machinery and equipment that is used to manufacture, process, compound, or produce items of tangible personal property for sale, or to operate pollution control equipment, recycling equipment, maintenance equipment, or monitoring or control equipment used in such operations, may be exempt from the sales tax.
- If 75 percent or more of the electricity or steam used at the fixed location is used to operate qualifying machinery or equipment, 100 percent of the sales tax on the charges for electricity or steam used at the fixed location is exempt.
- If less than 75 percent but 50 percent or more of the electricity or steam used at the fixed location is used to operate qualifying machinery or equipment, 50 percent of the sales tax on the charges for electricity or steam used at the fixed location is exempt.
No Machinery State Sales Tax
- New Manufacturers – In order to qualify for the new business exemption, the machinery and equipment must have been purchased, or a purchase agreement made, prior to the date the business first begins to produce a product for inventory or immediate sale. Purchased machinery and equipment must be received within twelve months of the date that production began.
- Expanding Manufacturers – Industrial machinery and equipment is exempt from tax when purchased by an expanding business.
Sarasota County-Based Companies
