From Citrus to Tech: How Lakeland is Becoming Florida’s Next Startup Hub
In just the past 5 years, Lakeland has seen a 112% increase in tech sector employment. The central Florida city once known for citrus fruits and spring training baseball has quietly been transforming into a burgeoning tech hub drawing comparisons to Silicon Valley itself.
The central Florida city of Lakeland has long been known for its natural beauty, citrus industry, and as the spring training home for the Detroit Tigers. But over the past decade, Lakeland has quietly been transforming into a hotbed for technology and innovation. With its strategic location, business-friendly policies, and talented workforce, many believe Lakeland has the potential to become the next Tech Hub.
In recent years, Lakeland has seen an influx of tech companies big and small setting up offices or relocating here. Giant tech firms like Amazon and Publix have major operations centers in Lakeland, drawn by the low taxes, affordable real estate, and temperate climate. Publix, for example, employs thousands at its massive IT and logistics facility in southwest Lakeland. Surprising for a grocery chain, right? The city has also become home to dozens of startups in fields like aerospace, logistics, and medical technology. SunTrax, a large-scale autonomous vehicle testing facility, showcases Lakeland’s strength in cutting-edge transportation technology.
A major factor driving this growth is the development of the Central Florida Innovation District, spanning Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Bartow. This coordinated effort aims to create an environment that fosters research, talent development, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The catalyst behind this tech transformation is Florida Polytechnic University. Founded in 2012, Florida Poly is an engineering and technology-focused university that partners directly with Lockheed Martin, Publix and other local tech firms to align its programs with industry needs. This helps cultivate a pipeline of skilled tech talent right in Lakeland.
Downtown Lakeland has also undergone a revitalization with the addition of co-working spaces, incubators, and mixed-use developments designed to attract young tech talent. Neighborhoods like Dixieland are now home to refurbished bungalows housing entrepreneurs and designers. The area has developed a quirky, youthful vibe reminiscent of Austin or portions of Silicon Valley.
Organizations like Catapult Lakeland have been instrumental in fostering innovation and bringing the tech community together through networking events and mentorship programs. Catapult offers hands-on guidance from experienced founders and business veterans to help propel Lakeland’s startups forward.
“Lakeland provides access to resources like Catapult and Florida Polytechnic that you might not find in other emerging tech cities,” said Zach Eikenberry, CEO of Hook Security. “It’s a very collaborative environment.”
The Lakeland Economic Development Council has also been a driving force, working to attract tech companies and talent. It provides support through initiatives like the Catapult startup incubator and infrastructure improvements to better connect Lakeland.
With its strategic location far from the congestion and high prices of Miami and Orlando, Lakeland is poised to draw even more companies seeking lower costs and a high quality of life. The investments being made today may help Lakeland become one of the country’s preeminent tech hubs in the years ahead. For now, it remains an under-the-radar location that is primed for takeoff.
So while Lakeland may not yet be a household name in the tech world, it has all the ingredients in place to become a major startup and innovation hub. The Central Florida city has laid the groundwork to become the next American city to emulate the success of Silicon Valley.
