Florida has long been a popular destination for investors and investment companies due to its favorable tax policies, growing economy and wealthy population. As one of the largest states in the U.S., Florida offers a wide range of investment opportunities in various sectors such as real estate, healthcare, tourism and financial services. Some of the top investment companies in Florida specialize in private equity, venture capital, asset management and wealth management services. The state provides good infrastructure and talent support for the thriving investment industry. With increasing high net worth individuals and an aging population with wealth to invest, the investment landscape in Florida will continue to grow and attract funds from within the state and beyond.
Major Private Equity Firms Based in Florida
Some of the major Florida-based private equity firms include HIG Capital, Trivest Partners, and Patriot Capital. HIG Capital, headquartered in Miami, focuses on investments in the healthcare, software, financial services and industrial sectors. Trivest Partners, based in Coral Gables, targets companies in the business services, consumer products, healthcare, and tech enabled services industries. Patriot Capital, located in Boca Raton, invests in lower middle market companies across various sectors through majority recapitalizations, buyouts, corporate carve-outs and platform builds.
Leading Venture Capital Investors in Florida
Florida is home to a growing VC industry centered in cities like Miami, Tampa and Orlando. Leading VC investors in the state include Tampa-based Florida Funders that focuses on early stage Florida-based startups across high growth sectors. Ballast Point Ventures, headquartered in Tampa, targets investments in software, healthcare, business services and tech-enabled companies. Miami-based Krillion Ventures invests in early stage digital media, software and mobile startups. Other notable VC firms include VenVelo, Vestigo Ventures, and Stonehenge Growth Equity Partners.
Major Institutional and Private Wealth Investors
In addition to private equity and VC firms, Florida has a strong base of institutional investors managing public and corporate pension funds as well as private wealth. The Florida State Board of Administration (SBA) manages over $250 billion in assets for the Florida Retirement System pension plan. Other large institutional investors include the City of Tampa General Employees Retirement Fund and the City of Jacksonville General Employees Retirement Plan. Many large U.S. wealth managers like Fidelity, Ameriprise Financial and Merrill Lynch have significant operations in Florida to serve the state’s high net worth individuals.
Real Estate and Alternative Assets Remain Attractive
Real estate investment remains strong in Florida’s thriving property markets. Many private equity firms and real estate developers are active in commercial and residential real estate projects. Other alternative investments like infrastructure, timberland, farmland and renewable energy assets also attract investor interest. The tourism sector presents opportunities in theme park developments and hospitality assets. Demographic shifts and population growth are driving demand for senior housing and healthcare real estate.
Outlook for Continued Growth
Florida’s dynamic economy, tax incentives, infrastructure and talent availability make it attractive for investment activity. Continued inflows of wealth and retirement savings into the state are expected to sustain the growth of the investment industry. Favorable demographic shifts with an aging population and high net worth individuals will drive demand for wealth management and alternative real assets. Rising digital transformation is also poised to stimulate tech startup activity and VC investments in the coming years.
Florida offers a robust ecosystem for varied investment activities ranging from private equity to venture capital and real estate. Major players include private equity firms, VC investors, wealth managers, real estate developers and institutional investors. The industry is poised for continued growth fueled by a strong economy and demographic factors.