Heart of the region: The City of Fort

Heart of the region:

The City of Fort Lauderdale is fast developing beyond its reputation as a premier beach destination

Fort Lauderdale is more than the sum of its well-known parts. Beaches, art, culture and events provide the public face of its popular international tourism segment, but the city is also the heart of a thriving, high-growth region. In addition to a sought-after lifestyle, Fort Lauderdale is developing quickly on the back of its educated workforce and easy access to national and international markets.

A number of factors are behind the city’s emergence as a business destination in addition to its tourism backbone. It is a strategically located gem at the center of the South Florida region. Sitting in close proximity to two major ports, the cruise and cargo industries strengthen its position as an international hub and help make Fort Lauderdale the bridge between the Americas.

Catching the eye of Elon Musk’s Boring Company, the city is looking to build a tunnel from the heart of Downtown to the beach. This tunnel project may lead to other futuristic projects, making the city a truly innovative community. An immense office space portfolio also makes the city a cheaper alternative to Miami for businesses, while its residential offering is also more affordable than many of its neighbors. Like most cities in South Florida, it has a business-friendly climate and low tax rate but also brings to the table a young population, thriving entertainment scene with community events, parks, urban centers and recreation spaces perfect for families.

With renovations complete, AutoNation and Inter Miami CF, co-owned by David Beckham, announced the renaming of Lockhart to DRV PINK Stadium. The stadium seats 18,000 and has been used as a vaccination location. Inter Miami hosted its first full-capacity game in late May 2021.

Landscape The City of Fort Lauderdale was originally a frontier stockade and trading post. After its incorporation in 1911, the city began to grow rapidly, climbing from fewer than 100 residents in 1900 to more than 2,000 by 1920. A ferry was opened to cross the New River and a railroad route was constructed, providing the catalyst for the city’s growth. The population grew particularly during World War II due to the presence of its Naval Air Station, which was used for training. After the war, serving veterans moved back to Fort Lauderdale, explaining the significant population growth in the 1950s and 1960s. Growth was continuous through to the 1980s and, after a brief decline, regained momentum by 2000. ( )