Italy and South Florida’s trade relationship continues to grow
From luxury yachts to designer labels and fine espresso, Italy’s footprint in South Florida is as stylish as it is economically significant. Unlike South Florida’s trade with many Latin American and Asian partners, which is often driven by bulk commodities, industrial machinery, or agricultural exports, Italy’s engagement is defined by high-value, low-volume exchanges. Italian companies are increasingly choosing the city as a gateway not only to the U.S. but also to Latin America.
On the export side, Miami supplies Italy with raw materials critical to its high-end industries. Gold exports to Italy, which surged 224% to $258 million in 2024, supply Italy’s world-renowned jewelry sector. Hormone exports of $64 million(up 100%) reflect both the sophisticated biotech and medical research sector and South Florida’s importance in the global pharma supply chain.
On the import side, Italy’s luxury craftsmanship is in high demand in South Florida. Recreational boats valued at $473 million, the top Italian import, feeding Miami’s demand for maritime opulence. Italian manufacturers such as Ferretti, Azimut-Benetti, and Sanlorenzo, renowned for craftsmanship and design innovation, are prestige brands.“Italy is the number one producer of yachts and superyachts in the world, and Florida is thenumber one market,” says Nevio Boccanera, Executive Director of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast (IACCSE). “The marine industry has long been a critical part of the Italy-South Florida trade relationship, particularly in Fort Lauderdale and Miami.”
The influence of Italian style is a driver of its exports to Miami and all of Florida, extending to fashion, furniture, and ceramics. (Statewide, fashion and accessories top the import category at $722.4M). Design District is home to Italian clothiers like Salvatore Ferragamo and Empresa, as well as home décor brand Minotti Miami.
With Miami as a strategic entry point into Latin America, many Italian firms establish their regional headquarters in South Florida to manage operations across the Western Hemisphere.“For Italian companies, Miami has become just as important as New York,” says IACCSE President Graziano Sbroggio. “Previously, Italian companies would set up in Manhattan, but now Miami offers a more attractive alternative–it’s a growing market with a strong business infrastructure and a favorable tax environment.”
Luxury Italian brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Ferrari use Miami as a base for Latin America, leveraging its bilingual workforce. Italian industrial firms in sectors such as energy and construction also set up offices in Miami before expanding into countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina.“Miami provides stability,” says Sbroggio. “It’s easier to set up an office here than to deal with the regulatory complexities of certain Latin American markets.”The Chamber estimates that there are some 350 to 400 Italian subsidiaries across the state, with about 100 to 150 in Miami.
A Connection Beyond Trade
The Italy-South Florida relationship is also cultural, in both directions. “We try to create an ecosystem where Italian companies feel comfortable when they arrive in Miami,” says Boccanera. “Our offices, for example, were designed by an Italian architect and are entirely furnished with made-in-Italy products, donated by our members.”For South Floridians, Chamber events amplify Italy’s presence in South Florida, from the Authentic Italian Food & Wine Festival in June — showcasing Miami’s top Italian chefs — to the Best of Italian Design event during Art Basel.
The Chamber also supports Italian businesses through initiatives like the Italian Lab, a space in its Miami headquarters where Italian companies can land before committing to a full office. “We are looking at organizing a trade mission to Central Florida, particularly to Cape Canaveral, to connect Italian aerospace companies with U.S. counterparts,” says Sbroggio. “With SpaceFlorida recently visiting Italy, there is a lot of potential collaboration in this sector.
“That mission would reciprocate last November’s 85-member Florida trade mission to Italy, where Gov. Ron DeSantis met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and announced the opening of an economic development office in Milan in 2025. That office, Florida’s first in Italy, “will continue the work of this trade mission in bringing more businesses, investment, and trade to Florida,” DeSantis said at the time.
“There have already been follow-up meetings,” said Boccanera. “Port Jacksonville has reached out about increasing Italian imports, particularly in the cruise and maritime industries. MSC, which has built the largest cruise terminal in Miami, is also looking at deeper collaborations….“We are seeing continuous growth.”
