Orlando’s regional economy demonstrated resilience and expansion in the third quarter of 2025, even as broader national trends point to cooling economic activity. Driven by strategic investments, job creation, and rising business revenues, the Orlando metropolitan area continues to stand out as a hub of sustained momentum across multiple industries.
Recent figures reveal that business income increased by 2% compared to the same period last year, reversing a dip observed in the previous quarter. Over the 12 months ending August 2025, approximately 18,000 new positions were filled across the region. Industrial space availability declined to 7.8%, marking the tightest vacancy rate in the past year, signaling strong demand for logistics and manufacturing facilities.
Travel activity also reached a milestone, with international passenger traffic through Orlando International Airport achieving a record high. While unemployment edged up slightly to 4.3%, analysts interpret this not as a sign of economic weakness but as evidence of a more balanced labor market, where workforce participation is expanding alongside employment opportunities.
Key developments underpinning this growth include Siemens Energy’s decision to move its U.S. headquarters to Lake Nona, a campus expected to accommodate nearly 3,000 employees working in hybrid arrangements. This relocation underscores Orlando’s growing appeal to global technology and clean energy firms. Additional highlights include Sonoco Products Company’s expansion in Orange County, which added 26 roles, and the groundbreaking of a 116,000-square-foot distribution center in Sanford by Peachstate Hobby Distribution and Coqui Hobby Distribution.
In the tech sector, AMD officially opened its Orlando Design Center at the Central Florida Research Park, focusing on advancing next-generation GPU development. Meanwhile, the University of Central Florida launched the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion in Lake Nona, increasing annual nursing graduate output by 150 through enhanced simulation-based training programs.
Neil Hamilton, Vice President of Research and Strategy at the Orlando Economic Partnership, emphasized the city’s diversified strength: “What sets Orlando apart isn’t reliance on a single sector—it’s adaptability and forward-looking investment.” He noted continued interest from major global companies, a deepening industrial foundation, and rising innovation capacity.
Despite inflationary pressures and a modest national slowdown in hiring, Orlando ranks among the top 10 U.S. metro areas for employment growth, significantly outpacing the national average.
— news from Orlando Economic Partnership
— News Original —
Orlando’s Economy Defies National Slowdown: Siemens Energy Relocation, Rising Revenues, and Record Travel Mark Q3 Momentum
Strong Q3 fueled by growth, resilience, new jobs, major investments, and record travel. n nORLANDO, Fla. — As much of the nation grapples with slowing growth and persistent inflation, Orlando’s economy continues to outperform expectations. The Orlando Economic Partnership’s Q3 2025 Orlando MSA Market Update paints a picture of a region that’s not just holding steady — it’s expanding across multiple sectors, from clean energy and advanced manufacturing to logistics and healthcare innovation. n nThe new data shows: n nBusiness revenue climbed 2% year-over-year, rebounding from a decline in Q2. n n18,000 new jobs were added in the year ending August 2025. n nIndustrial vacancy dropped to its lowest level in a year at 7.8%. n nInternational travel through Orlando International Airport hit an all-time high. n nUnemployment rose slightly to 4.3%, reflecting a more balanced labor market rather than a downturn. n nQuarter Highlights: Major Projects Fueling Growth n nOrlando’s momentum is anchored by transformative developments: n nSiemens Energy, a global energy technology leader, announced plans to relocate its U.S. headquarters to Lake Nona, supporting nearly 3,000 employees in a modern campus designed for hybrid work. n nSonoco Products Company expanded in Orange County, adding 26 new jobs. n nPeachstate Hobby Distribution and Coqui Hobby Distribution broke ground on a 116,000-square-foot Sanford facility. n nAMD’s Orlando Design Center opened in Central Florida Research Park, advancing next-generation GPU technology. n nUCF’s Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion debuted in Lake Nona, expanding simulation-based nurse training by 150 graduates annually. n n“Orlando’s growth story isn’t about one industry—it’s about resilience and reinvention,” said Neil Hamilton, Vice President of Research and Strategy at the Orlando Economic Partnership. “We’re seeing steady investment, a stronger industrial base, and an innovation economy that continues to attract top global players.” n nDespite inflationary pressures and modest cooling in the national job market, Orlando remains one of the top 10 fastest-growing employment centers in the U.S., far outpacing national job growth. n nExplore the full report: https://business.orlando.org/l/msa-update/ n nAbout the Orlando Economic Partnership n nThe Orlando Economic Partnership (the OEP) is an economic and community development organization that works to advance Broad-based Prosperity®. Through the power of partnerships, we grow the economy, attract companies that create new jobs, drive investment, improve competitiveness and fuel regional leadership. n n###