South Florida Counties Unite to Charm Amazon

By: Ismael Rodriguez

Amazon.com is looking for its second headquarters, and South Florida’s three counties are uniting to submit one proposal worthy of attracting the digital conglomerate.

As cities across the country set out to lure the digital giant with their proposals, The Beacon Council in Miami-Dade, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance in Broward and the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County will enter the hunt for the digital giant by submit a joint bid, according to the Sun Sentinel.

Broward county Commissioner Michael Udine contacted Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, emphasizing the region’s assets last week, including its “no state income tax policy” and its appealing climate. Other focal points mentioned included transportation options like Brightline, multiple international airports, and an abundance of colleges and universities scattered around South Florida.

Amazon’s requirements for the second headquarters include a location with low taxes, incentives, proximity to mass transit and the supportive presence of a diverse population. The company plans to build a building with more than 500,000 square feet by 2019; however, after 2027, it expects to grow the headquarters to over 8 million square feet. Amazon also plans to find a location with undeveloped, green-field sites and infill possibilities.

The company wants to build in a major market, with a nearby airport, near universities, and with a multicultural population exceeding 1 million people. They are also looking for engineers and others working in the technology sector. The bids for the second headquarters are due by 0ct. 19, and cities like Los Angeles, Orlando and Chicago have already entered the race.