Tech Industry Growth
Tampa is quickly becoming Florida’s tech capital. It was recently named Forbes’ top emerging US city ahead of New York and San Francisco. The city has over 50 software and IT companies and hosts more than 25% of Florida’s tech jobs. Companies such as OPSWAT and Rapid7 have a presence there.
Living and Working in Tampa
Tampa is an affordable place to live and work, with housing prices 11% cheaper than the national average. In 2021, Florida added 10,522 new tech jobs, second only to Texas. Tampa Bay is applying to be a federally recognized "tech hub," with officials actively recruiting high-tech companies.
Recognition as a Tech Hub
- Tampa is among the 15 fastest-growing US tech hubs on LinkedIn.
- Three Florida cities made the list.
- Dice defines a tech hub with criteria including universities to recruit from, venture funding, networking, and companies hiring.
Experts predict that by 2027, an additional 3,700 tech jobs will be added to Tampa’s market. The combined regions of Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg are forming a booming tech industry.
Startup Ecosystem and Talent Attraction
Tampa is a rapidly growing startup hub, with the infrastructure to support business success. The technology surge has led to a Great Migration to tech cities like Tampa. Over 2,000 new tech jobs were expected in 2021 alone.
According to Moodys, Tampa ranks #25 in the US for technology jobs. The area has seen a 27% increase in tech businesses in five years.
Developments in the Legal Sector
Shumaker has reinforced its position as an attractive tech and startup hub by hiring new intellectual property associate Samantha Regala.
Tampa’s Competitive Edge
Tampa is a vibrant and growing tech community, with a supportive ecosystem that attracts global tech professionals. Notable tech companies and startups have taken notice of the region’s potential. Questions about Tampa’s quality as a place for tech jobs affirm the city’s growing reputation.
Education and Labor Force
- The city is home to several universities with top-tech programs.
- 3.9% of the city’s total labor force works in tech, rivaling cities like New York and Philadelphia.
- By 2025, tech jobs in Tampa are projected to grow by +8.5%, exceeding the national average.
Furthermore, both the University of Tampa and the University of South Florida have expanded their tech and cybersecurity programs, supporting the city’s role as a training hub for tech workers.
Tampa’s Recognition
- Ranked 19th by CompTIA as one of the best metro areas in the U.S. for IT jobs.
- Named by WalletHub as one of the best cities to start a career, ranking 5th out of 180 cities.
Tampa is positively positioned to become one of the tech capitals of the American South in the coming decade and is already considered the tech capital of Florida by many. Organizations like Embarc Collective provide resources and support for startups, and investments from figures like Bill Gates and Jeff Vinik catalyze the tech-focused developments in the region.
With its affordable living costs, no state income tax, and burgeoning tech scene, Tampa is on the path to being a significant tech hub in the near future.