Here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough in executive recruitment: airports. I know, not exactly glamorous. But stick with me—because for energy executives considering a move to South Florida, this might be the thing that tips the scales.
Energy companies are expanding beyond the usual suspects (Houston, Dallas, you know the drill) and setting up shop in Florida. And when we’re having conversations with C-suite candidates about these opportunities, one question keeps coming up. It’s not about salary. It’s not even about the role itself, at least not initially. It’s: “How far is the airport?”
“When we’re recruiting C-suite talent for energy companies expanding into South Florida, airport proximity is often the deciding factor for candidates evaluating the move,” said Jim Hickey, President Managing Partner at Perpetual Talent Solutions, Fort Lauderdale executive recruiters. “These executives travel extensively, whether it’s to project sites, investor meetings, or industry conferences. Being within minutes of a major international airport isn’t a luxury for them; it’s a necessity.”
Two Airports. Zero Excuses.
Fort Lauderdale has something most cities can’t offer: two airports that serve completely different needs. And honestly? That’s a bigger deal than it sounds.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International handled 35.2 million passengers in 2024—making it the 18th busiest in the country. We’re talking 700-plus daily flights to 135 destinations. For your standard business travel—board meetings in New York, conferences in Chicago—it just works.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country, with over 160,000 operations annually. According to Florida DOT’s 2022 economic impact study, it supports nearly 23,000 jobs and has a payroll north of $1.2 billion. Four Fixed Base Operators, customs on-site, Foreign Trade Zone status. The whole package.
“Energy sector leaders often maintain access to corporate aircraft, and having a dedicated general aviation facility just minutes from their office changes the equation entirely,” Hickey explained. “They can arrive at the FBO, be wheels-up in under an hour, and reach offshore operations in the Gulf or meetings in Latin America without the friction of commercial terminals.”
Think about that for a second. No TSA lines. No gate changes. No sitting on the tarmac for 45 minutes because there’s “congestion.” Just… go.
Why Travel Matters More Than You’d Think
Look, we all know executives travel a lot. But the data really drives it home. The Global Business Travel Association found that nearly three in five North American executives say a company’s travel policy matters when they’re evaluating a new job. And that number climbs for senior leaders—the folks who are constantly hopping flights to meet investors, visit sites, or work with regulators.
Energy makes this even more intense. You’re managing offshore drilling operations, renewable projects spread across multiple states, utility infrastructure that requires face time with government officials. You can’t Zoom your way through everything. You need to be there. And when direct flight availability and airport location rank among the top factors in how executives plan their travel, suddenly that 15-minute drive to FLL starts looking pretty attractive.
And here’s the Florida context that matters: NextEra Energy—the largest vertically integrated rate-regulated electric utility in the nation—is headquartered just up the road in Juno Beach. Florida Power and Light is pushing to install over 30 million solar panels by 2030. This isn’t some backwater energy market. It’s where things are happening.
The South Florida Pull Is Real
You’ve probably noticed: a lot of people and companies have moved to South Florida since 2020. Major players and executives are putting down permanent roots here. Florida jumped from the seventh-largest economy to fifth nationally, and that momentum shows no signs of slowing.
We’re talking about a state with a $1.70 trillion gross state product—fourth largest in the nation, 15th globally. The clean energy sector alone includes more than 11,000 companies. Origis Energy, Enfinity Global, BrightNight—they’re all here, building real operations.
“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how energy companies approach their geographic footprint,” Hickey noted. “The combination of favorable tax treatment, quality of life, and infrastructure connectivity has made Fort Lauderdale genuinely competitive with traditional energy capitals. When we present opportunities here, executives are increasingly receptive.”
That last part is key. Five years ago, you’d pitch Fort Lauderdale to an energy exec and get raised eyebrows. Now? They’re asking questions. They’re interested. The conversation has changed.
The Recruitment Edge
Here’s the thing about competing for top talent: location matters more than ever. The average domestic business trip runs about $1,293, while international trips hit $2,600. Every hour saved in transit, every overnight stay avoided—it adds up. In productivity. In quality of life. In whether someone actually wants the job.
And Fort Lauderdale has a sneaky advantage: it’s only 21 miles from Miami International. So executives get to pick. Need a quick domestic hop? FLL is probably faster. Flying to São Paulo or London? Hop down to MIA for the broader international network. Best of both worlds.
Plus, the infrastructure keeps getting better. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International is in the middle of a $3.2 billion improvement program—new terminals, more gates, an elevated people-mover, better ground transportation. They’re investing for the long haul.
“Candidates want to know their commute to the airport, how many direct flights reach their most frequent destinations, and whether private aviation options exist nearby,” Hickey observed. “Fort Lauderdale checks every box, which makes our conversations with prospective executives considerably easier.”
What This Means If You’re Hiring
If you’re an energy company building out your South Florida presence, here’s the takeaway: don’t overlook the airport angle. It sounds tactical, almost trivial. But for the executives you’re trying to attract? It’s anything but.
These are people who’ve spent careers optimizing operations, shaving costs, improving efficiency. They apply that same lens to their own lives. And when they can see that Fort Lauderdale means less time in security lines and more time actually doing their jobs… that matters.
There’s also a community forming here. Other energy leaders. Peers from utilities, renewable developers, energy tech companies. Industry events happening locally. Relocating doesn’t mean professional isolation—not anymore.
“The energy transition is creating unprecedented demand for experienced leaders who can navigate complex regulatory environments, manage diverse portfolios, and drive operational excellence,” Hickey concluded. “Fort Lauderdale’s infrastructure advantages, combined with Florida’s broader business climate, position the region as a genuine alternative to traditional energy centers. For employers willing to embrace that reality, the talent pool expands considerably.”
So yeah. Airports. Not the sexiest topic. But maybe the most practical one when you’re trying to land executives who need to be everywhere, all the time. Fort Lauderdale figured that out. Now it’s just a matter of whether employers—and candidates—are paying attention.
