Hey there — Josh Lipoff here.
If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re either curious about Central Florida’s booming industrial market, or you’re actively looking to invest, lease, or develop in the area. Either way, you’re in the right place. As someone who’s spent years navigating commercial and industrial real estate across the Southeast, I can tell you: Central Florida is where it’s at — especially if you’re in manufacturing or logistics.
Let’s dig into what makes this region such a smart move right now.
First Things First: Why Central Florida?
When people ask me why I’ve zeroed in on Central Florida, the answer is pretty simple: location, infrastructure, and growth.
We’re talking about a region that sits smack in the middle of a massive logistics hub — positioned perfectly along the I-4 corridor between Tampa and Orlando. From a transportation standpoint, it doesn’t get much better. You’re close to major highways, ports, rail, and airports — all the things manufacturers and distributors dream about.
Plus, the business climate in Florida? Super friendly. No state income tax, and fewer regulatory headaches compared to some other states.
The I-4 Corridor: An Industrial Dream
You’ll hear me mention the I-4 corridor a lot — and for good reason. It’s not just a highway; it’s a high-speed connection between major metros, seaports, and airports. That accessibility is a game-changer.
If you’re in manufacturing or distribution, that means faster shipping, lower costs, and easier access to customers across the Southeast and beyond. You can hit 20+ million people in a single day’s drive. That kind of reach is tough to beat.
Demand Is Sky-High — And Still Growing
One of the things I love about working in industrial real estate is how much it reflects the economy. Right now, demand for warehouses, flex space, and manufacturing facilities is exploding — especially in markets like Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Plant City.
In fact, we’re seeing:
- More build-to-suit developments for national brands
- Continued growth in e-commerce driving warehouse expansion
- Manufacturers relocating from more expensive markets up north
- Institutional capital flowing into Central Florida at record rates
And let me tell you — there’s still plenty of room for smart growth.
Who’s Moving In?
It’s a mix. Big names in retail, consumer goods, and third-party logistics are doubling down on Central Florida. But we’re also seeing mid-size manufacturers and regional distributors plant roots here because they recognize the long-term advantages.
Whether it’s for a regional distribution center or a light manufacturing facility, Central Florida is checking all the boxes: lower land costs than Miami or Atlanta, strong labor pool, and proximity to a growing consumer base.
What I’ve Learned After Years in This Market
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that timing and partnerships matter. Whether you’re looking to develop, lease, or invest, it’s critical to have the right team that understands the nuance of this region.
That’s why I co-founded HLI Partners — to help clients capitalize on opportunities with real, on-the-ground insight. We’ve worked with everyone from national REITs to family-owned logistics firms. No cookie-cutter deals here — just tailored, strategic moves that make sense for your business.
What to Watch in 2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead, I’m keeping my eye on a few big trends:
- Smaller-footprint warehouses (under 100K SF) for last-mile delivery
- Spec development ramping up again as vacancy stays tight
- More institutional players entering the Central Florida scene
- Increased focus on sustainable and tech-enabled industrial facilities
It’s an exciting time to be in this space — and we’re just getting started.
Let’s Connect
If you’re thinking about making a move — whether it’s buying land, signing a lease, or launching a new industrial project — I’d love to connect.
Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. I’m always happy to talk shop, share market insights, or help you think through your next steps.
Thanks for stopping by the blog — and stay tuned. I’ve got more thoughts coming your way on the trends shaping this region, real estate tips, and some behind-the-scenes looks at deals we’re working on.
– Josh Lipoff
Josh Lipoff 