Here’s a conversation I keep having with energy company leaders expanding into South Florida: “Fort Lauderdale or Boca Raton?”
They’re only about 25 miles apart. You could drive between them in half an hour on a good traffic day. But when it comes to recruiting executive talent? They’re almost different worlds. And picking the wrong one can make your life harder than it needs to be.
So let’s talk through what actually matters here.
Why South Florida, Why Now
First, some context. South Florida isn’t just attracting retirees and spring breakers anymore. The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance calls the region a “megaregion of the future” driving U.S. economic growth. With 6.1 million people, it’s the largest metro area in the Southeast. That’s a serious talent pool.
“Energy companies are discovering that South Florida offers something unique—a combination of favorable tax structure, international connectivity, and a growing pool of executives who want to work where they live well,” says Jim Hickey, President and Managing Partner at Perpetual Talent Solutions, a Fort Lauderdale executive search firm.
And Florida’s energy sector has genuinely changed. The U.S. Energy Information Administration ranks the state as the third-largest electricity consumer nationally, with renewables now making up about 10% of in-state generation. That growth means more demand for executives who can navigate both traditional operations and clean energy initiatives.
The opportunity is real. But location still matters.
Fort Lauderdale: The Connected Hub
Fort Lauderdale has about 193,000 people and serves as Broward County’s seat. It’s home to over 150 corporate headquarters. But here’s what really sets it apart: infrastructure.
Port Everglades. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. If your energy company has operations throughout the Americas, this matters more than you might initially think.
“Fort Lauderdale’s infrastructure advantage cannot be overstated for energy companies,” Hickey explains. “Port Everglades provides access to seaborne trade through the Panama Canal, while the international airport connects executives to Latin American markets within hours. These logistics matter when recruiting leaders who need global mobility.”
The city also has nearly 80,000 IT and communications workers. International banks have set up shop here. There’s a cosmopolitan energy—pun intended—that appeals to executives who want urban amenities and a certain vibrancy in their daily lives.
Cost-wise, Fort Lauderdale runs about 23% higher than the national average, with housing 68% above national figures. Not cheap. But the median household income sits around $80,000, and there are 43 institutions offering associate’s degrees or higher within 30 miles. The talent pipeline exists.
Boca Raton: The Polished Campus
Boca Raton is smaller—about 99,000 people—but don’t let the size fool you. The median household income here is $102,722. That’s a different demographic entirely.
This is where you find ADT Security Services. Office Depot. A concentration of healthcare and financial services firms. The vibe is… how do I put this… more manicured. More campus-like. Some people love it. Some find it a bit too quiet.
“Boca Raton appeals to a specific type of executive—one who values the campus-like corporate environment and the community’s emphasis on education and quality of life,” Hickey notes. “The presence of Florida Atlantic University creates opportunities for research partnerships that energy companies increasingly value.”
The cost of living is 17% higher than the national average—actually a bit lower than Fort Lauderdale—with housing as the main driver. But here’s what Boca offers that Fort Lauderdale often can’t match: lower crime rates and excellent schools, both public and private.
If you’re recruiting executives with families? That matters. A lot. The “where will my kids go to school” question has killed more than a few otherwise perfect job offers.
Boca’s also leaning into cleantech. Companies like Blue Frontier have set up operations here. The city’s positioning itself for where energy is going, not just where it’s been.
So How Do You Actually Decide?
Here’s where I’ll give you my honest take on what I’ve seen work:
Fort Lauderdale tends to be the better fit for energy companies focused on operations and logistics. If you’ve got Latin American or Caribbean operations, the port and airport connectivity isn’t just nice—it’s essential. If you’re recruiting executives who want that urban pulse, who thrive in environments with more hustle and diversity, Fort Lauderdale delivers.
Boca Raton works better for companies emphasizing research, development, and corporate administration. The FAU connection is real if you value academic partnerships. And if your ideal candidate is someone with a family who wants safety, great schools, and a more curated lifestyle, Boca’s going to be an easier sell.
“The decision often comes down to company culture and the specific executive profile you’re seeking,” Hickey says. And honestly, that’s the truest thing anyone can tell you here.
A Word on Compensation
Both cities are competing for talent—not just with each other, but with Miami and West Palm Beach too. That regional competition has pushed compensation packages up.
Want a benchmark? NextEra Energy in nearby Juno Beach sets the regional standard. Their CEO pulled in over $20 million in total comp for 2024. You’re probably not competing at that level, but it illustrates the premium Florida energy companies place on leadership talent.
Neither city is cheap. Both require premium offers compared to national averages. Budget accordingly.
The Bottom Line
There’s no universally right answer here. I’ve seen energy companies thrive in both places. What matters is alignment—between your company culture, your operational needs, and the kind of executive who’ll actually accept your offer and stick around.
“What I tell energy company leaders is this: visit both cities, meet with local business development organizations, and envision where your future executives will thrive,” Hickey advises.
South Florida’s growth isn’t slowing down. Both markets will keep strengthening. The question isn’t which city is “better”—it’s which one is better for you, for the specific leaders you need to attract, for the business you’re building.
Take the time to figure that out. It’ll pay off when your top candidate says yes.
