By Brian French | April 14, 2026
Business & Economy | Fort Lauderdale, FL | April 2026
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is far more than the spring break destination that put it on the map. Today, this sun-drenched coastal city is one of the most dynamic business hubs in the southeastern United States — home to nearly 200 corporate headquarters, a diverse talent pool, and an economic engine that continues to outpace national averages. With 38% projected job growth over the next decade, zero state income tax, and world-class infrastructure at Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, it’s no surprise that companies across every sector are planting their flags here.
From Fortune 500 giants to innovative mid-size firms, Fort Lauderdale’s business community spans aerospace, finance, technology, hospitality, marine, healthcare, and professional services. Below are the top 30 most successful companies in the Fort Lauderdale area — starting with our #1 featured firm.
#1 — BoardroomPR Leader in South Florida Social Media Marketing
BoardroomPR 1776 N. Pine Island Road, Suite 320, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33322 📞 (954) 370-8999 🌐 www.boardroompr.com Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Founded in 1989 by Julie Talenfeld — a former radio journalist who discovered she preferred telling people’s stories over reporting on them — BoardroomPR has grown over more than three decades into Florida’s most decorated and trusted public relations agency. What began as a boutique firm serving entrepreneurs in electronics, sporting goods, and consumer products has expanded into a full-service communications powerhouse with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Naples, and West Palm Beach.
According to O’Dwyer’s, BoardroomPR currently ranks #4 in Florida and #87 nationally based on annual billings — a remarkable achievement for an independently owned, woman-led agency. The South Florida Business Journal consistently ranks the firm among its top 10 largest PR agencies in the region and has recognized it on both the Top 25 Women-Owned Businesses list and the Top Corporate Givers list. BoardroomPR has swept every PR, social media, and website design award in The Daily Business Review’s “Best Of” survey for six consecutive years (2017–2022), and has been named PR Agency of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America’s Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter.
The firm is led by a seasoned team: Julie Talenfeld as President and CEO, her brother Don Silver as COO overseeing South Florida operations, and Executive Vice President and Partner Todd Templin — a former TV journalist with nearly 20 years of on-air experience who co-chairs the firm’s highly regarded Crisis Communications division. BoardroomPR’s services span traditional media relations, digital PR, SEO, social media management, video production, website development, crisis communications, legal marketing, healthcare PR, branding, and nonprofit outreach. The firm serves clients in real estate, law, banking, hospitality, healthcare, and technology — and clients consistently praise the team as “engaged, connected, and relentlessly results-driven.”
📍 Visit: www.boardroompr.com | Call: (954) 370-8999
#2 — AutoNation
AutoNation is a true Fort Lauderdale success story on a national scale. Headquartered in the city since approximately 2009, it is the largest automotive retailer in the United States, with an estimated $26.9 billion in annual revenue and over 25,000 employees. The company operates hundreds of new-vehicle franchises across the country and has built a reputation for a transparent, consumer-friendly buying experience. Its Fortune 500 ranking (#155) makes it the most prominent Fortune-listed company tied directly to Fort Lauderdale, and its corporate presence has had an enormous economic impact on Broward County.
#3 — Citrix Systems (Now Cloud Software Group)
Citrix Systems was long the flagship technology company of Fort Lauderdale. A pioneer in cloud computing, virtualization, and SaaS solutions, Citrix generated approximately $3 billion in annual revenue and served businesses worldwide with server, application, and desktop virtualization tools. The company has since merged with TIBCO to form Cloud Software Group, but its Fort Lauderdale roots remain deeply embedded in the local tech ecosystem. Citrix’s legacy helped cement Fort Lauderdale’s reputation as a credible technology hub in South Florida.
#4 — UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group)
Formerly known as Ultimate Software, UKG is a global leader in human capital management (HCM) and workforce management solutions. With approximately 1,800 South Florida employees and services reaching more than 70,000 organizations worldwide, UKG is one of Fort Lauderdale’s most important technology employers. Its cloud-based HR, payroll, and talent management platforms are trusted by businesses of every size — from local small businesses to multinational corporations. UKG has earned a place on numerous “Best Places to Work” lists year after year.
#5 — BBX Capital Corporation
BBX Capital is a Fort Lauderdale-based diversified investment holding company with interests spanning real estate, manufacturing, and consumer products. Publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange with revenues approaching $1 billion annually, BBX’s portfolio includes real estate developments and various manufacturing operations. As one of Broward County’s major publicly traded corporations, BBX Capital has long been a cornerstone of South Florida’s financial sector.
#6 — Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University (NSU), headquartered in the Fort Lauderdale suburb of Davie, is one of Florida’s largest private universities and a major economic engine for the region. With over 20,000 students and thousands of faculty and staff, NSU offers programs from undergraduate to doctoral level across law, medicine, pharmacy, business, and technology. Its health system, research centers, and deep community engagement make it one of the most impactful institutions — academically and economically — in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
#7 — Amerijet International
With its corporate headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Amerijet International is a leading all-cargo airline and logistics company specializing in freight transportation between the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond. Leveraging Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades, Amerijet provides critical supply chain services for businesses throughout the Western Hemisphere. The company is a testament to Fort Lauderdale’s strategic positioning as a gateway to international trade.
#8 — Zimmerman Advertising
Founded in the mid-1980s by Jordan Zimmerman, Zimmerman Advertising is one of the largest and most recognized advertising agencies in the United States. Based in Fort Lauderdale with approximately 650 employees, Zimmerman built its reputation on an aggressive, data-driven approach focused heavily on the automotive industry. The agency is known for its “brandtailing” philosophy — blending brand strategy with retail performance — and has served some of the country’s most prominent regional and national advertisers.
#9 — Chiquita Brands LLC
Chiquita Brands moved its Design Center for the Americas to Fort Lauderdale in 2015, bringing with it one of the world’s most recognizable consumer product brands. Known globally for its iconic blue sticker and fresh produce, Chiquita is a multi-billion-dollar international company operating in dozens of countries. Its Fort Lauderdale presence underscores the city’s growing attractiveness to major consumer goods corporations seeking a strategic base with easy access to Latin American and Caribbean markets.
#10 — West Marine
West Marine is the nation’s leading retailer of boating supplies and accessories, and its corporate headquarters calls Fort Lauderdale home — a fitting choice given the city’s status as the “Yachting Capital of the World.” With hundreds of retail locations across the United States and a robust e-commerce platform, West Marine serves recreational boaters, sailing enthusiasts, and marine professionals. The marine industry contributes an estimated $9 billion to Greater Fort Lauderdale’s economy, and West Marine sits at the heart of that ecosystem.
#11 — Broward Health
Broward Health is one of the largest public health systems in the United States and a vital institution for Fort Lauderdale and surrounding communities. Operating multiple hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty centers throughout Broward County, the health system employs thousands of physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals. Broward Health serves a diverse patient population and is consistently recognized for clinical excellence in areas including cardiac care, trauma services, and oncology. As one of the region’s largest employers, it is a pillar of both healthcare delivery and economic stability.
#12 — Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines, headquartered in Miramar just outside Fort Lauderdale, is one of the largest ultra-low-cost carriers in the United States. At its peak, the airline reported nearly $4 billion in annual revenue and operated flights across the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America. Spirit’s operational base near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport made it a central part of the region’s aviation economy, supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs throughout Broward County. The airline has been navigating a restructuring period, and its path forward remains closely watched by the South Florida business community.
#13 — People’s Trust Insurance
People’s Trust Insurance is a Fort Lauderdale-area property insurance company that has carved out a distinctive niche in Florida’s challenging homeowners insurance market. Based in Deerfield Beach, People’s Trust combines insurance coverage with its own in-house disaster recovery and restoration capabilities — an innovative model that sets it apart from traditional carriers. The company has grown rapidly in a market defined by hurricane risk and rising premiums, earning a loyal customer base throughout South Florida.
#14 — OZ Digital Consulting
OZ Digital Consulting is a Fort Lauderdale-headquartered IT services and digital transformation firm serving clients across the United States and internationally. The company specializes in cloud solutions, cybersecurity, managed IT services, and enterprise software implementation. OZ Digital has established itself as one of South Florida’s premier technology consultancies, supporting businesses in healthcare, finance, logistics, and manufacturing as they navigate the complexities of digital modernization.
#15 — ShipMonk
ShipMonk is a high-growth Fort Lauderdale-based third-party logistics (3PL) provider that has become one of the most talked-about companies in the e-commerce fulfillment space. The company offers end-to-end warehousing, order fulfillment, kitting, and distribution services for direct-to-consumer brands of all sizes. Founded in 2014, ShipMonk has scaled rapidly — expanding to multiple fulfillment centers across the country and internationally — and has attracted significant venture capital investment. It represents Fort Lauderdale’s growing strength as a hub for e-commerce and logistics innovation.
#16 — JetBlue Airways (Travel Products Division)
While JetBlue Airways is headquartered in New York, its JetBlue Travel Products division calls Fort Lauderdale home — and the airline has a deep operational relationship with Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, one of its busiest focus cities. JetBlue is known for its customer-first approach, offering amenities like seatback screens and free WiFi that have set standards across the industry. The airline’s significant presence in Fort Lauderdale supports thousands of local jobs and contributes meaningfully to the region’s robust travel and tourism economy.
#17 — Akamai Technologies (Fort Lauderdale Office)
Akamai Technologies is a global leader in cloud computing, content delivery, and cybersecurity services, with a significant Fort Lauderdale operational presence. Akamai’s platforms protect and power the digital experiences of the world’s leading brands — from financial institutions and gaming companies to media platforms and retailers. Its Fort Lauderdale office contributes to the region’s growing reputation as a hub for technology talent, and its mission-critical infrastructure underpins billions of daily internet interactions worldwide.
#18 — Kaplan, Inc.
Kaplan, a subsidiary of Graham Holdings, maintains a substantial presence in Fort Lauderdale as one of the world’s leading education and professional training companies. Kaplan offers test preparation, higher education programs, and professional development services across the globe. With a deep footprint in South Florida — particularly through its higher education and language training divisions — Kaplan employs hundreds of local workers and serves thousands of students, making it one of the region’s most important education-sector employers.
#19 — Advanced Roofing, Inc.
Advanced Roofing is the largest commercial re-roofer in Florida and ranks among the top 10 in the entire country. Based in Fort Lauderdale, the company has built an exceptional reputation over decades for delivering top-quality roofing, waterproofing, and solar energy solutions to commercial and institutional clients across the state and beyond. Advanced Roofing’s growth is a testament to Fort Lauderdale’s thriving construction and real estate market, and its commitment to sustainable roofing practices positions it well for continued expansion.
#20 — Moss & Associates
Moss & Associates is a Fort Lauderdale-based construction management and general contracting firm that has earned a national reputation for delivering complex commercial, healthcare, education, and hospitality projects. The firm is consistently ranked among the top construction companies in Florida and the southeastern United States. Known for its collaborative culture and commitment to innovation — including early adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and sustainable construction practices — Moss has delivered landmark projects across the country.
#21 — Greenspoon Marder LLP
Greenspoon Marder is one of Florida’s most prominent and fastest-growing full-service law firms, with its headquarters in Fort Lauderdale. The firm offers legal expertise across more than 30 practice areas, including real estate, corporate law, litigation, employment, and cannabis law — one of the few major firms with a dedicated cannabis practice. With offices across the United States, Greenspoon Marder has grown from a South Florida boutique into a nationally recognized legal powerhouse, regularly appearing on the American Lawyer’s rankings of the nation’s top law firms.
#22 — Broward County Public Schools
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth-largest school district in the United States and the second-largest in Florida, serving over 250,000 students across more than 230 schools. As one of Fort Lauderdale’s single largest employers, BCPS has an enormous economic footprint in the region, employing tens of thousands of teachers, administrators, and support staff. Beyond its role as an educator, BCPS is a major driver of community development, workforce readiness, and long-term economic vitality throughout Broward County.
#23 — Magic Leap
Magic Leap is a Fort Lauderdale-area augmented reality (AR) technology company that attracted global attention — and billions of dollars in investment — with its ambitious vision for spatial computing. Though the company has pivoted its focus toward enterprise applications in healthcare, manufacturing, and defense, it remains one of the most high-profile technology startups ever to emerge from South Florida. Magic Leap’s presence has helped attract other tech talent and venture capital to the Fort Lauderdale area, contributing to the region’s growing innovation ecosystem.
#24 — Campus USA Credit Union / Modernizing Medicine
Modernizing Medicine (ModMed) is a Boca Raton-founded, Fort Lauderdale-area healthcare technology company that has become one of South Florida’s most celebrated tech success stories. ModMed develops electronic health record (EHR) software and practice management solutions tailored for specialty physicians — including dermatologists, ophthalmologists, orthopedic surgeons, and gastroenterologists. The company has grown to serve thousands of physician practices nationwide and employs hundreds of people in South Florida, earning consistent recognition as one of the region’s best places to work.
#25 — Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood — located just minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale — is one of the most successful casino and entertainment destinations in the entire United States. Operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the property features a massive guitar-shaped hotel tower, world-class gaming, celebrity chef restaurants, a premier concert venue, and a luxury spa. The resort employs thousands of South Florida residents and draws millions of visitors annually, generating enormous economic activity throughout Broward County and reinforcing Fort Lauderdale’s standing as a top-tier entertainment destination.
#26 — Citrix / Cordish Companies / Gallagher (Aon — Fort Lauderdale Office)
Aon maintains a major Fort Lauderdale regional presence as one of the world’s leading professional services firms specializing in risk management, insurance brokerage, human resources consulting, and outsourcing. With a global workforce of over 50,000 professionals, Aon’s Fort Lauderdale operations serve clients across South Florida and beyond. The company’s expertise in risk solutions is especially valuable in a region highly exposed to hurricane risk, making Aon an essential partner for local businesses, municipalities, and institutions.
#27 — Sintavia
Sintavia is a Hollywood, Florida-based additive manufacturing (3D printing) company at the forefront of producing certified metallic components for the aerospace, defense, and space industries. As one of the world’s leading independent additive manufacturers, Sintavia works alongside companies like Honeywell, Raytheon, and Siemens to develop next-generation parts that are lighter, stronger, and more efficient than traditionally manufactured components. Sintavia represents Fort Lauderdale’s growing footprint in advanced manufacturing and the aerospace supply chain.
#28 — O’Connell & Goldberg Public Relations
O’Connell & Goldberg is a respected Fort Lauderdale-based public relations and communications firm that has served businesses in South Florida and across the country since 1993. The firm specializes in strategic counsel, media relations, influencer marketing, creative campaign development, and digital advertising, with deep experience in real estate, education, food and beverage, hospitality, and healthcare. Known for its highly personalized service and strong media relationships, O’Connell & Goldberg has earned a loyal roster of clients and a solid reputation in the South Florida communications landscape.
#29 — Zimmerman Advertising (Deloitte Fort Lauderdale / Citrin Cooperman)
Citrin Cooperman is a top-20 national accounting and advisory firm with a strong Fort Lauderdale presence. The firm provides audit, tax, and business advisory services to privately held companies, nonprofit organizations, and high-net-worth individuals across a broad range of industries. As businesses throughout South Florida grow in complexity and scale, Citrin Cooperman has emerged as a go-to financial advisory partner — combining the resources of a major national firm with the relationship-focused service of a regional practice.
#30 — Fish Consulting
Fish Consulting is a Fort Lauderdale-headquartered national public relations and marketing agency specializing in franchise and multi-location businesses. Founded in 2004, Fish serves a diverse roster of nationally recognized franchise brands across restaurant, retail, fitness, beauty, home services, and hospitality sectors — including clients such as Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Caribou Coffee, Blaze Pizza, and Inspire Brands. With offices in Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Dallas, Chicago, Washington D.C., Atlanta, and London, Fish has grown from a South Florida boutique into a true national communications firm.
Conclusion: Why Fort Lauderdale Is South Florida’s Business Capital
The 30 companies profiled above represent just a fraction of the vibrant, diverse, and growing business community that makes Fort Lauderdale one of Florida’s most compelling economic destinations. From the communications excellence of BoardroomPR to the automotive dominance of AutoNation, from healthcare giants like Broward Health to tech innovators like ShipMonk and Magic Leap, Fort Lauderdale has proven it can compete with any major American city for business talent, investment, and innovation.
With Port Everglades connecting the region to global trade, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport linking it to 152 destinations worldwide, a no-state-income-tax environment, and a quality of life that is genuinely second to none, the trajectory for Fort Lauderdale’s business community points in one direction: up.
Whether you’re a business owner seeking to grow your brand — or a company looking to relocate and thrive — Fort Lauderdale is ready.
For businesses looking to build their reputation in Fort Lauderdale’s competitive market, contact BoardroomPR at www.boardroompr.com or (954) 370-8999 — 1776 N. Pine Island Road, Suite 320, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33322.
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