The Florida Chamber Foundation and the Florida Chamber of Commerce are set to host the 2025 Future of Florida Forum (F3) and Annual Meeting in Orlando on October 27–28. The event aims to bring together business, political, and community leaders from across the state and beyond to discuss strategies for economic growth and innovation.
This year’s forum will feature keynote speakers Matt Higgins, entrepreneur, investor, and Shark Tank personality, and Stephen M. Ross, CEO and Chairman of Related Ross, founder of Related Companies, and owner of the Miami Dolphins. Their session will focus on leadership and disruption in business.
“Florida is growing fast, presenting a unique opportunity for the business community to capitalize on an evolving, innovation-driven economy,” said Matt Higgins, entrepreneur, investor, Shark Tank Star and Co-Founder & CEO, RSE Ventures. “If you care about the future of Florida’s business and economic landscape, this is where you need to be.”
The agenda includes the announcement of the winner of the first Coolest Thing Made in Florida Competition, which highlights innovation within the state’s manufacturing sector. Additionally, attendees will receive an update with the release of the Florida 2030 Blueprint Halftime Report, providing a progress check since the initiative’s launch and outlining steps needed to reach economic targets by 2030.
“We’re at a pivotal inflection point,” said Karen Moore, Founder & CEO, The Moore Agency and Incoming Chair, Florida Chamber Foundation. “F3 is where we align our strategies, reinforce our shared vision, and recalibrate to push forward with the bold leadership needed to drive progress. Florida’s future is too important to leave to chance.”
The forum will also include presentations from several public officials and industry leaders:
– U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds will discuss how national trends affect life and work in Florida.
– Secretary Jared Perdue from the Florida Department of Transportation will address infrastructure challenges.
– Chancellor Raymond Rodrigues from the State University System of Florida, Adrienne Johnston, President & CEO of CareerSource Florida, and Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas from the Florida Department of Education will speak on education programs designed to improve workforce outcomes.
– Heather Kasten, President & CEO of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, will discuss how local chambers are using resources from the Florida Chamber.
– Melissa Seixas, President of Duke Energy Florida, and Archie Collins, President & CEO of TECO—recently named Most Admired CEOs by Tampa Bay Business Journals—will share updates on utility innovation.
– Matt Dunagan from the Florida Sheriff’s Association and Sheriff Dennis Lemma from Seminole County will announce a partnership aimed at improving safety and prosperity through collaboration between law enforcement and businesses.
Other topics on the agenda include artificial intelligence, legal reform, affordable housing, tax policy changes such as eliminating Florida’s unique business rent tax, civic engagement, mental health initiatives, and economic development strategies.
“We’re not just talking about the future, we’re building it in real time,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation. “As part of the year-round strategy to secure Florida’s future, F3 is where Florida’s leaders unite to convert vision into action, backed by the best data, the strongest partnerships, and the boldest ideas in the country.”
The Florida Chamber Foundation describes itself as a non-partisan organization focused on long-term strategies for competitiveness and prosperity in Florida. Its work centers around six key pillars: talent development; technological diversification; infrastructure improvement; fostering a pro-business climate; efficient governance; and enhancing quality of life for residents.
