Tampa has rocketed to the top of the Financial Times-Nikkei’s “Investing in America” rankings, leaping an impressive 26 places to seize the No. 1 spot in the third annual report. In this year’s results, Tampa outpaced last year’s champion, Houston, and also surpassed cities often considered its peers — such as Austin, Atlanta, and Charlotte.
What Sets Tampa Apart?
The rankings, published by the British Financial Times (owned by a Japanese holding company), evaluate nearly 50 key metrics crucial for foreign investors. According to the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, this year’s analysis introduced a new category: trade-war resilience, which measures how dependent a local economy is on imports and exports.
Tampa excelled in this new category, along with scoring highly in workforce and talent, openness, and quality of life. With an overall score of 67, Tampa edged out six other cities that each scored 65—Seattle, Raleigh, Orlando, Cincinnati, Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh.
Key Factors Behind Tampa’s Success
The Financial Times-Nikkei report highlights several strengths that propelled Tampa to the top:
Competitive Business Environment: Thanks to city incentive programs and a proactive approach to business growth.
Skilled Workforce: Tampa’s talent pool continues to attract investment.
Quality of Life: A major draw for both companies and their employees.
Tax Advantages: Florida’s lack of a state income tax and a moderate 5.5% corporate tax rate make it especially appealing.
“When I talk to companies and CEOs, one of the biggest factors in their decision to invest or relocate is the quality of life for their team,” says Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. “They’re also very interested in our tax structure and the ease of doing business here.”
International Investment on the Rise
Major global companies, such as Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ and Brazil’s Gerdau, have established significant operations in the Tampa region. The report notes that the influx of international investment is only accelerating, signaling a bright future for Tampa’s economy.
Tampa’s rise to the top of these prestigious rankings is a testament to its thriving business climate, talented workforce, and enviable quality of life, making it a top choice for investors from around the world.
