Israeli-founded companies are going all-in on Florida—and it’s not just about sunshine and beaches. A new report finds the state is quickly becoming a top destination for Israeli entrepreneurs chasing U.S. growth and safety alike.
A total of 429 Israeli-founded firms are now operating across the Sunshine State, according to the United States–Israel Business Alliance. They’re not just setting up shop—they’re hiring, innovating, and building billion-dollar empires.
Why Israeli Companies Are Betting Big on Florida
It’s more than just warm weather drawing in Israeli entrepreneurs.
For starters, Florida is being seen as an increasingly welcoming place for Jewish and Israeli business leaders, especially in politically tense times. Aaron Kaplowitz, president of USIBA, said there’s a clear perception that Florida is a “safe and embracing” environment.
That sense of comfort is playing a big role.
“The perception is that if you are Jewish or Israeli, Florida is a comfortable place to do business,” Kaplowitz explained. “You will be embraced with arms wide open.”
For families, the sense of safety is also a big selling point. And for business? The state’s pro-growth attitude and open-door reputation are sealing the deal.
8,190 Jobs and Counting: Florida’s Israeli Business Boom
The report reveals some striking numbers. Israeli-founded companies in Florida are responsible for:
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429 active companies across the state
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8,190 local jobs created directly
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2 privately held unicorns already operating in-state
That’s a lot of momentum. These companies aren’t just hiring—they’re contributing significantly to Florida’s local economy, state revenues, and tech scene.
The two unicorns on the list? Adam Neumann’s Flow—a real estate venture—and Momentis Surgical, a Tel Aviv-based med-tech firm.
Only New York and California have more Israeli-founded companies, but Florida is quickly closing the gap.
From NYC to MIA: Why Florida Became the Post-COVID Favorite
The pandemic changed everything. Florida seized the moment.
After COVID hit, a wave of entrepreneurs, investors, and business execs packed their bags and headed south—from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut straight to Miami, Tampa, and beyond.
Kaplowitz put it bluntly: “Since COVID, we have seen an inflow of thousands of businesspeople… who moved and relocated to Florida.”
Florida offered open schools, fewer lockdowns, and tax advantages. But for Israeli entrepreneurs, it was also a chance to break the mold—to prove they didn’t need to be in Silicon Valley or Manhattan to make it big.
Not Just Sunshine: The Real Economic Impact
The Israeli business boom in Florida isn’t just symbolic. It’s dollars and cents.
Here’s a breakdown of some key data:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Israeli-founded companies in Florida | 429 |
| Direct Florida jobs | 8,190 |
| Billion-dollar (unicorn) firms | 2 |
| Israeli-founded unicorns in NYC (2023) | 30 |
Those 429 companies span multiple sectors—from fintech and cybersecurity to healthtech and AI.
And while Florida’s still playing catch-up with the likes of New York (which had 30 unicorns as of last year), the growth trajectory is sharp.
Florida-Israel Economic Ties Could Get Much Bigger
Here’s what’s really interesting: we’re probably still just getting started.
Kaplowitz believes Florida and Israel have “barely scratched the surface” of their economic potential together. That’s a bold statement, but not a baseless one.
He’s talking about bilateral trade, tech partnerships, startup investments, and joint innovation hubs. Basically, more than just satellite offices—he’s seeing full-on economic integration in the cards.
One sentence stands out: “More exports tend to create more jobs than imports.” That’s the kind of win-win scenario both sides like to see.
So What’s Next? All Eyes on the Sunshine State
This momentum could fuel even more moves from Israeli tech firms and investors.
As more big names relocate or expand to Florida, others are likely to follow. It’s the domino effect. Add in friendly tax policies, access to Latin American markets, and a strong pro-Israel political climate, and Florida starts to look like more than a temporary trend.
The state may have started as the underdog compared to New York and California, but the game’s shifting. Israeli businesses have noticed—and they’re setting up shop in droves.
And maybe, just maybe, that skyline in downtown Miami won’t just be palm trees and cranes anymore. It might be the next Silicon Beach—with a Hebrew accent.
