Hello entrepreneurs! My name is Ben Frear, an immigration lawyer with a practice that focuses on helping entrepreneurs set up businesses across the US. Over the last several years, I’ve spoken with hundreds of foreign entrepreneurs who are in the process of weighing their options. Many of these entrepreneurs are considering Florida as their landing spot in the US. So today, I’d like to discuss why Florida is one of the many great places for foreign entrepreneurs in the US.

A Hub of Diversity and Innovation

First off, Florida is a hub of diversity and innovation. With cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, you’re stepping into vibrant communities filled with opportunities. Miami, for instance, is not just about nightlife and beaches. It’s a global business center with a strong presence in finance, trade, and tech.

Florida’s diverse population brings a wealth of cultural perspectives and a talented workforce. Whether you’re in tech, healthcare, tourism, or any other industry, you’ll find a lot of talent in the state.

Networking Opportunities

And let’s talk about networking! Florida hosts countless business events, conferences, and expos, including the Miami Tech Summit and eMerge Americas. Through these types of events, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow your business.

Quality of Life

But it’s not all about work. Florida is known for its high quality of life. Think about it – beautiful weather year-round, stunning beaches, world-famous attractions, and amazing restaurants. It’s a place where you can balance work with an amazing lifestyle.

Business-Friendly Environment

Now, let’s discuss the business-friendly environment. Florida has no state income tax, which means more money in your pocket. The state also offers various incentives for qualifying startups and foreign businesses, like tax credits and grants.

And if you need help navigating the business landscape, Florida has plenty of resources. Organizations like Enterprise Florida and local Chambers of Commerce are there to support you with market research and more.

Strategic Location

Florida’s strategic location is another major plus. With extensive air and sea connections, you can easily reach markets in the Americas, Europe, and beyond. It’s a true gateway to international trade.

Visa Options for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Ok, so let’s say that you are a foreign entrepreneur who wants to set up shop in Florida. What are the visa options that will allow you to work here for your own company?

Now I cannot run through every single option, but I would like to give you an overview of some of the more popular options.

Option #1: The E2 Visa

My practice primarily focuses on this visa since it is the best option for many foreign entrepreneurs. With this visa, you can manage and grow a business in which you have made a substantial investment. There are a lot of benefits of the E2 visa, which include unlimited renewals and work authorization for spouses. However, there are some drawbacks, the largest being that you cannot obtain the E2 visa as the primary applicant unless your country of nationality has an E2 treaty with the United States.

Other Options

If you can’t qualify for the E2 visa, you can explore some alternatives which, depending on your circumstances, may include the National Interest Waiver green card or the EB-5 green card. The National Interest Waiver green card is merit-based and requires applicants to show that their work benefits the US. The EB-5 green card requires a large investment that creates at least 10 full-time jobs.

If none of these options are feasible, you could always start a US-based company and visit on a business visitor visa, but you would have to be cautious about your activities. Engaging in business activities under a B-1 visa entails activities other than the performance of skilled or unskilled labor.

Conclusion: Florida for Foreign Entrepreneurs

In conclusion, Florida offers an incredible mix of business opportunities, lifestyle benefits, and support for foreign entrepreneurs. If you’re considering your next move, give Florida a serious look. And if you need any help navigating the visa options, I recommend that you reach out to one of the many talented US immigration lawyers that you can find across the globe. Thanks for reading, and best of luck on your entrepreneurial journey!

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a qualified immigration lawyer for advice specific to your situation.