Here’s something you might not have noticed: there’s a quiet exodus happening in South Florida, and it’s heading north.
While everyone’s talking about Miami as the hot new corporate hub, a growing number of executives are making a different calculation. They’re looking 30 miles up I-95 to Fort Lauderdale. And honestly? The math makes a lot of sense.
This isn’t about abandoning Miami. It’s about finding a better setup. Especially in the energy sector, where executives are discovering they can have their cake and eat it too. All the access to Miami’s ecosystem, but without paying Miami prices.
Let’s Talk About Money
Look, nobody gets into executive leadership without being cost-conscious. And the numbers in Fort Lauderdale versus Miami? They’re kind of shocking.
Office space in Fort Lauderdale averaged $34.54 per square foot in 2024. Miami? $61.76 per square foot. That’s a 44 percent difference. Think about what that means when you’re leasing 10,000 square feet, or 20,000, or more.
“Energy sector executives are incredibly cost-conscious, especially when managing operational budgets that can run into millions,” said Jim Hickey, President Managing Partner at Perpetual Talent Solutions, a Fort Lauderdale executive search firm. “We’re seeing C-level candidates who recognize that Fort Lauderdale offers the same access to Miami’s ecosystem at a fraction of the real estate cost.”
And it’s not just office space. Fort Lauderdale’s overall cost of living is 16 percent lower than Miami’s. Housing? Fort Lauderdale’s median home price sits around $509,684 compared to Miami’s $524,600. When you’re trying to recruit top talent or relocate a team, these differences add up fast.
Here’s what I mean: imagine you’re negotiating compensation packages for your leadership team. That cost of living differential becomes real leverage.
The Energy Boom Nobody’s Talking About
But this move north isn’t just about saving money. Something else is happening in Fort Lauderdale.
The city’s becoming a legitimate player in the energy space. Companies like Empire Diversified Energy and Alternate Energy Company have set up shop here. NextEra Energy maintains major operations throughout the area. There’s an ecosystem building.
“The energy transition is creating unique opportunities in South Florida, and Fort Lauderdale is positioning itself as a center for innovation,” Hickey explained. “Executives in renewable energy, battery storage, and hydrogen technologies are finding that Fort Lauderdale offers the infrastructure they need without the congestion challenges they face in Miami.”
Think about it this way: Florida ranks third nationally for solar energy generation. South Florida’s climatetech sector pulled in $263 million across 31 deals recently. That kind of money creates demand for executives who actually know how to navigate the regulatory maze and scale operations.
The opportunity’s real. And Fort Lauderdale’s right in the middle of it.
The Commute Question
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. What about Miami meetings? Client dinners? Networking events?
Fair question. Downtown Fort Lauderdale to downtown Miami is about 35 minutes when traffic’s light. Rush hour? Yeah, that can stretch to 90 minutes. Not gonna lie to you.
But here’s the thing.
“Smart executives are structuring their schedules around South Florida’s traffic patterns,” Hickey noted. “Many are adopting hybrid work models or scheduling Miami meetings outside the 7 to 9 AM and 4 to 7 PM rush periods. The Brightline train has also become a game-changer for executives who need to commute regularly.”
That Brightline train? It’s actually kind of brilliant. You hop on in Fort Lauderdale, you’ve got Wi-Fi, you can work the whole ride, and you step off in Miami ready to roll. No sitting in traffic. No stress. Some executives are using it daily.
The infrastructure’s there. You just have to be strategic about it.
Finding the Right People
Here’s something that doesn’t get enough attention: Fort Lauderdale’s actually easier for talent acquisition.
The unemployment rate sits at 4.1 percent, below the national 4.3 percent average. The job market’s healthy. Healthcare, professional services, manufacturing, education. All thriving.
“When we’re recruiting for senior energy positions, Fort Lauderdale’s quality of life becomes a major selling point,” said Hickey. “Candidates with families appreciate the slightly more relaxed pace compared to Miami, while still maintaining access to world-class dining, cultural amenities, and international connections through Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.”
You know that moment when you’re trying to convince someone to relocate? Fort Lauderdale’s an easier sell than you’d think. Especially for executives with families who want the South Florida lifestyle without the Miami intensity.
And yeah, the tech talent pool is growing. Miami-Fort Lauderdale ranked fifth nationally for attracting tech workers in 2024. Not bad when you’re looking for people who understand emerging energy technologies.
The Lifestyle Part
Look, I’ll be honest. This matters more than people want to admit.
Fort Lauderdale’s called the “Venice of America” for a reason. All those canals. The waterfront lifestyle. 246 sunny days a year. Average temperatures around 75 degrees. It’s objectively beautiful.
And maybe it’s just me, but there’s something about being able to actually enjoy where you live while you’re working. Miami’s exciting, sure. But Fort Lauderdale? It breathes a little easier.
WalletHub ranked it in the top five best places to retire for 2025. But here’s the interesting part: that’s not just about retirees.
“We’re seeing a demographic shift where executives in their 50s and early 60s are choosing Fort Lauderdale as their final career destination,” Hickey observed. “They can continue working at a high level in the energy sector while building a lifestyle that transitions smoothly into retirement. Miami remains close enough for business, but Fort Lauderdale offers the quality of life they’re seeking for the long term.”
Think about that. You can stay in the game, keep building, keep leading… and actually live the life you want at the same time.
What’s Coming Next
This trend isn’t slowing down. If anything, it’s accelerating.
Fort Lauderdale’s office vacancy rate is at 18.84 percent versus Miami’s 13.93 percent. Translation? Landlords are hungry for quality tenants. Energy companies expanding operations can negotiate deals that would be impossible in Miami’s tighter market.
Plus, there’s 90,151 square feet of new office space coming in 2025. Modern facilities. Advanced tech infrastructure. Sustainability features that actually matter to energy companies.
For executives weighing their options, Fort Lauderdale’s not just the budget-friendly choice anymore. It’s becoming the smart choice. You get cost savings, access to talent, proximity to Miami when you need it, and honestly? A better quality of life.
South Florida’s having a moment. Everyone knows that. But the executives quietly moving north to Fort Lauderdale? They’re positioning themselves for what comes next. They’re building something sustainable. Both in their careers and in their lives.
And honestly, in the energy sector especially, that kind of long-term thinking is exactly what wins.
