Site Selection Magazine recognized 21 utilities across the United States for economic development and Florida Power & Light was one of them.
Trusted since 1954, Site Selection Magazine delivers location intelligence and actionable insights into corporate expansion projects. Our editorial mission is to help expansion planning decision-makers do a better job. With over 48,000 qualified corporate subscribers, Site Selection Magazine is the most widely read publication serving the world of corporate expansion and area economic development strategy. Site Selection subscribers make investment decisions every month that account for over $28 billion in capital investment and create 31,000 jobs (on average; source: Impact Report).
Florida Power & Light (FPL), headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida, has been instrumental in driving economic development across the state. FPL’s efforts have led to significant corporate facility investment, job creation, and talent attraction, making Florida a top destination for businesses and skilled workers alike. In 2023, FPL invested $1.865 billion in corporate facilities, creating 6,326 new jobs and expanding its reach to more than 12 million people across 43 counties. These achievements come despite growing challenges facing the U.S. power grid, particularly the increasing demand from large-scale industrial projects.
FPL’s economic development successes were recognized by Site Selection Magazine, which ranks the top utilities in economic development based on corporate end-user project activity in their respective regions. Each year, the magazine gathers data through a comprehensive questionnaire, as well as its own research into utilities with active economic development departments. FPL’s inclusion in this elite group highlights its sustained commitment to fostering business growth and addressing the challenges of an evolving energy landscape.
Among FPL’s notable 2023 projects are two manufacturing sites in northwest Florida, expected to employ 550 people and attract a combined $75 million in investment. Central Moloney, Inc., a manufacturer of distribution transformers and transformer components, is one of the key players involved. Other major projects include an expansion by Leonardo Helicopters in Milton and a $750 million hydroponic farm in Baker County, which is expected to create 600 new jobs. These initiatives not only stimulate local economies but also reinforce Florida’s position as a hub for innovation and sustainable business practices.
However, as highlighted by Site Selection Magazine, the utility sector is currently grappling with the unprecedented load demand from massive industrial projects like data centers, semiconductor fabs, and electric vehicle battery supply chains. In their 2024 survey, the magazine posed a critical question: “Power provision is vying with workforce as the most pressing issue for industrial companies nationwide. How is your utility’s economic development team working with operations and external stakeholders to address these concerns?” This question underscores the growing concern that reliable power supply is becoming just as critical as workforce availability for attracting and retaining large-scale industrial investments.
FPL has been proactive in addressing this dual challenge. While corporate investment and job creation remain central to its mission, FPL has also focused on ensuring that Florida’s energy infrastructure can meet the demands of today’s energy-intensive industries. By collaborating with operational teams and external stakeholders, FPL continues to strike a balance between economic growth and sustainable power provision.
In addition to its industrial project efforts, FPL has made strides in talent attraction through initiatives like its “WonderFL” regional website, which launched in 2023. Part of a statewide talent attraction campaign, WonderFL showcases the unique work-life balance, employment opportunities, and quality of life available in Florida. The website serves as a funnel, guiding potential transplants, remote workers, and returning residents to regional hubs where they can find detailed information about housing, schools, and local culture. This initiative plays a key role in maintaining Florida’s status as the No. 1 state for talent attraction, a title reaffirmed in the Lightcast 2023 talent attraction scorecard.
While job creation totals are down slightly from the previous year, reflecting a broader industry trend, FPL’s commitment to both project attraction and power reliability remains unwavering. As Site Selection Magazine notes in its 2024 report, top utilities like FPL continue to keep their project pipelines and community engagement efforts flowing as reliably as their power.
In an environment where both workforce and power availability are critical to industrial success, FPL’s leadership ensures that Florida remains a competitive and resilient destination for business and talent. Through its ongoing investments in infrastructure, energy reliability, and workforce development, FPL is positioning Florida to thrive in the face of evolving industrial demands.
Pam Rauch, FPL Vice President of External Affairs and Economic Development
“Being selected as a Top Utility in Economic Development demonstrates FPL’s commitment to fostering growth and innovation within the communities we serve,” said Pam Rauch, FPL Vice President of External Affairs and Economic Development. “This recognition underscores our role not just as an energy provider, but as a vital driver in helping Florida’s economy grow. As power becomes more significant for companies looking at site locations, it’s important that FPL is known as a partner that provides leadership and value to the economic development process.”
To learn more about the 2024 Top Utilities in Economic Development, CLICK HERE.