The corporate relocation boom that swept South Florida post-COVID may have boosted Miami and West Palm Beach’s profiles, but Fort Lauderdale is still working to catch up. Despite recent growth, it remains overshadowed by Miami’s cultural allure and West Palm Beach’s affluent reputation.
While Miami and West Palm Beach attracted big names like Citadel and Goldman Sachs, Fort Lauderdale’s downtown office market, though strong compared to many U.S. cities, didn’t see the same level of corporate interest. With the recent surge in office vacancies and rent drops nationwide, the city’s office market still lags behind its South Florida neighbors.
Business owners and developers in Fort Lauderdale are left wondering if there’s still time to attract companies seeking growth in the region. New developments in the Flagler Village area offer hope, but the city lacks a high-profile advocate to sell its potential, similar to Miami’s Mayor Francis Suarez or West Palm Beach’s Stephen M. Ross, who have played key roles in marketing their cities.
Fort Lauderdale has plenty to offer—affordable housing, reputable schools, and major tech companies like Chewy and UKG based in Broward County—but without a vocal champion to bring attention to these advantages, the city continues to be overlooked by corporate giants. Local leaders stress the need for someone to advocate for the city, pounding the drum for its unique value opportunities.
While many billionaires moving to South Florida flock to Miami or Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale hasn’t attracted the same level of financial firms or wealthy executives. As companies seeking prime office space often prefer Miami’s skyline views and Palm Beach’s luxurious settings, Fort Lauderdale has struggled to compete.
Still, the city has seen recent momentum with the influx of new residents and multifamily developments in its downtown area, transforming it into an 18-hour city. This growing urban population could position Fort Lauderdale for future office growth and notable corporate tenants. With several new projects, like the creative T3 FAT Village development, set to reshape the office market, there is potential for a turnaround.
Leaders remain optimistic about Fort Lauderdale’s future, with many pointing to the quiet success of local businesses and homegrown companies. Fort Lauderdale’s less flashy, more fundamental approach to growth may eventually pay off, but for now, the city continues to play catch-up to its more high-profile neighbors.
