Florida biotech jobs have become a focus among state leaders.
Gov. Charlie Crist has noted Florida’s innovative biotechnology and life sciences industry in his ongoing effort to focus on economic development. He most recently highlighted the importance of training Florida’s future workforce and industry growth during a roundtable discussion at the BioScience Technology Complex at Palm Beach Community College.
“Florida’s economy continues to benefit from the state’s development as a global leader in biotechnology and life sciences,” Crist said. “The advances from this industry will continue to diversify Florida’s economy, as well as improve the health and quality of life for everyone.”
Florida has become one of the fastest growing states in the life sciences industry and has been named among the top 10 United States biotech centers by Ernst & Young. There are more than 120 biotechnology research and development companies in the state that excel in biotechnology devices, diagnostics and therapeutics.
In 2008, Fierce Biotech ranked Florida as one of the top five regions for biotech companies for the second year in a row. Since 2001, the number of biotech companies in the state has more than doubled and the state is now home to more than 9 percent of the 1,450 biotech firms located throughout the country.
The life sciences industry employs more than 26,000 workers in Florida, from basic research and development to clinical trials and business development. Florida also is home to almost 100 pharmaceutical companies and more than 4,000 researchers, technicians and workers. In 2008, the annual average wage for the biotechnology industry was $55,628, 37 percent higher than the state’s total annual average wage of $40,569. During 2008, the annual average wage for medical device manufacturing was $54,943.
Along with the increase in biotech companies in Florida, workforce training opportunities also have increased. Palm Beach Community College offers two degree programs in biotechnology. There also is a Biotechnology College Credit Certificate, which is designed for students currently employed in the biotech industry or students who have already received a bachelor’s degree but want additional experience. Florida State University, the University of Central Florida and the Employ Florida Banner Center for Biotechnology at the University of Florida also offer biotech programs.
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