By: Fábio Toniato*
Florida in 2025 is a state on the move. With a gross state product surpassing $1.705 trillion, making it the fourth-largest economy in the United States, and a private sector that added more than 134,000 new jobs between May 2024 and May 2025, the Sunshine State is more than a tourist paradise, it is one of the most dynamic business ecosystems in the world. Behind this momentum lies a critical, often underestimated discipline: facilities management.
Facilities management is not simply about keeping buildings clean or systems running. It is about strategic stewardship of assets that directly influence safety, sustainability, productivity, and profitability. In Florida, where the economy grows at a pace that rivals entire nations, ensuring that physical infrastructure can keep up with demand is essential. From the 22 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the state to the many expanding regional enterprises, every organization depends on facilities that are resilient, efficient, and designed for the future.
Florida’s commercial real estate boom since the pandemic tells an important story. Financial and technology executives relocating to the state have driven demand for premium office space, while retail and residential developments like West Palm Beach’s CityPlace have maintained near-record occupancy rates. Yet, occupancy is only the starting point. What truly differentiates a successful development is how intelligently it is managed.
A building that consumes 20% less energy through smart systems, or a hospital that streamlines maintenance and compliance workflows, translates into millions saved annually, resources that can be reinvested in innovation, staff, and community programs. For Florida’s business leaders, facilities management is not a cost center but a strategic asset.
We cannot talk about Florida without addressing its climate risks. Hurricane season is more than a passing threat; it is a recurring test of resilience. In this context, facilities management means more than preparation, it means continuity. Businesses with well-designed continuity plans, redundant systems, and insurance-backed infrastructure can return to operations within days, while others risk weeks of downtime or permanent closure.
Another key shift we are seeing globally, and one Florida cannot afford to ignore, is the move toward sustainable facilities management. International investors, particularly from Europe, increasingly demand ESG (environmental, social, governance) compliance as a prerequisite for long-term capital allocation.
Facilities that incorporate renewable energy sources, green certifications, and circular economy practices gain more than prestige; they gain access to better financing conditions and competitive positioning in international markets. For Florida, which is deeply connected to global trade, aligning facilities with sustainability expectations is not optional, it is essential.
Facilities management also plays a transformative role in sectors like healthcare. As Florida’s population continues to grow, the demand for efficient hospital systems expands with it. In my work, I have seen how logistics, maintenance, and operational planning in healthcare facilities can mean the difference between patient safety and systemic breakdown.
Florida’s future will be written not only in boardrooms and international trade agreements but also in how we design, operate, and sustain the spaces where life and business happen. Facilities management is not background work; it is a frontline strategy.
As someone who has spent over 15 years managing large-scale infrastructure, from financial institutions to healthcare and retail, my conviction is clear: those who invest in intelligent facilities management are investing in resilience, efficiency, and long-term prosperity.
Florida is showing the world that it is possible to grow fast, grow big, and grow smart. To keep this trajectory, we must continue to see our facilities not just as buildings, but as living systems that sustain communities and businesses alike.
* Fábio Toniato holds a Master’s degree in Project Management from St. Francis College in New York, along with MBAs in Strategic Business Management and Innovation. He is also certified in Lean Six Sigma and Design Thinking. He is an experienced specialist in Facilities Management, Procurement and Operational Strategy, with over 15 years of experience in large-scale service operations. He managed infrastructure maintenance contracts at Itaú Unibanco, covering more than 4,000 branches across the country. Fábio also managed multi-sector portfolios at A7 Serviços, including healthcare, education, and retail. He holds MBAs in Strategic Business Management and Innovation, as well as Lean Six Sigma and Design Thinking certifications. Currently based in Orlando, he has contributed insights on infrastructure efficiency, sustainability, and smart service solutions.