The Florida Council of 100 convened CEOs and business leaders from across the state for its Spring General Membership Meeting, advancing initiatives focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, resilience, economic mobility, and Florida’s long-term competitiveness. 

At a time when Florida continues to attract talent, investment, and businesses from around the world, members discussed practical solutions to some of the state’s most important opportunities and challenges, including artificial intelligence, workforce development, housing, defense technology, resilience, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. 

“Florida has tremendous momentum, but maintaining that momentum requires leadership,” said George LeMieux, Chair of The Florida Council of 100. “What makes FC100 unique is that it brings together some of the most accomplished business leaders in the state to help solve real challenges and create more opportunity for the next generation of Floridians. Our members are focused on action, outcomes, and ensuring Florida remains competitive for decades to come.” 

Building on the Council’s Beyond Sunshine strategy, members reviewed progress on the Gold Coast campaign, a national effort designed to elevate South Florida’s position as a destination for innovation, entrepreneurship, investment, and growth. 

Since launching earlier this year, the campaign has generated national media coverage and strengthened Florida’s position in conversations with founders, investors, executives, and companies evaluating where to locate, grow, and invest. 

Members also highlighted the continued expansion of Ambition Accelerated, a statewide initiative focused on strengthening innovation, entrepreneurship, talent development, resilience, and long-term competitiveness across Florida. 

Applications will soon open for Ambition Accelerated’s four industry-focused accelerator tracks in financial technology, dual-use and defense technology, healthcare technology, and resilience technology. The initiative is designed to connect entrepreneurs with customers, capital, mentorship, and experienced business leadership while helping create more high-wage career opportunities across Florida. 

“Through Beyond Sunshine, the Gold Coast campaign, and Ambition Accelerated, the Council is focused on turning ideas into action,” said Michael Simas, President and CEO of The Florida Council of 100. “Florida has extraordinary momentum. Our responsibility is to help ensure the next generation of Floridians can build successful careers, start companies, and pursue opportunities at the highest level right here in Florida.” 

Through its members, research, and strategic initiatives, The Florida Council of 100 continues to advance practical solutions that strengthen Florida’s economy, improve opportunity, and position the state for long-term success. 

About The Florida Council of 100 
The Florida Council of 100 is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that brings together the CEOs of Florida’s leading companies to strengthen the state’s long-term competitiveness, expand economic opportunity for future generations, and advance solutions that better the lives of all Floridians.

The Council identifies Florida’s greatest economic opportunities and challenges, convenes business, government, academic, and community leaders around practical solutions, and builds initiatives that create lasting economic impact. Through research, collaboration, and business-led action, the Council works to help Florida build stronger industries, create higher-wage jobs, develop talent, improve quality of life, and remain one of the best places in America to build a business.

Founded in 1961 at the request of Governor Farris Bryant, the Council brings together CEOs who believe business success carries a responsibility to help shape Florida’s future. Today, the Council represents more than 200 companies employing over 1.3 million Floridians.