Florida Expands Partnership with Germany

FL Commerce News 2026

Published January 26th, 2026

Detected February 27th, 2026

Summary

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and German Ambassador Jens Hanefeld signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to expand cooperation between Florida and Germany. The agreement focuses on key sectors including innovative technologies, aerospace, manufacturing, life sciences, and workforce training, building on existing trade relationships.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

Florida and Germany have formally expanded their partnership through the signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) by Governor Ron DeSantis and German Ambassador Jens Hanefeld on January 26, 2026. This JDI establishes a framework for cooperation in strategic sectors such as innovative technologies, aerospace and aviation, manufacturing, life sciences, and workforce training, aiming to promote strategic investment and economic growth. This builds upon a previous JDI signed with the German state of Baden-Württemberg in November 2025.

This agreement is primarily informational and does not impose immediate new compliance obligations on regulated entities. However, businesses operating in or looking to expand into the identified sectors may find opportunities for collaboration and investment. The expansion aims to strengthen economic ties, with merchandise trade between Florida and Germany already amounting to $7.2 billion in 2024. Companies should be aware of potential future initiatives stemming from this enhanced partnership.

Source document (simplified)

FloridaCommerce Press 2026

Home > News Center > FloridaCommerce Press Releases > FloridaCommerce Press 2026

ICYMI: Governor Ron DeSantis Joined by German Ambassador Jens Hanefeld to Formally Expand Florida’s Partnership with Germany

Jan 26, 2026 ~ Governor DeSantis signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) that establishes a practical framework for cooperation across key sectors including innovative technologies, aerospace and aviation, manufacturing, life sciences and workforce training ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and German Ambassador to the United States, Jens Hanefeld signed a Joint Declaration of Intent between the state of Florida and the Federal Republic of Germany, promoting strategic investment, industrial ties and economic growth. This JDI establishes a practical framework for cooperation across key sectors including innovative technologies, aerospace and aviation, manufacturing, life sciences and workforce training. This JDI signing is a direct result of the June 2025 Florida Leadership Mission to Germany.

The signing of today’s JDI strengthens the existing bond between the people of Florida and Germany. In November of 2025, the state of Florida and the state of Baden-Württemberg held a JDI signing, formalizing a year-long effort that brought together government, industry and academia.

“The Free State of Florida continues to set the standard for business growth and economic development on the international stage,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today’s agreement will ensure that our state remains one of the best places to do business, live, work and raise a family. The steps we’re taking today will strengthen the economic partnership between our great state and Germany.”

“Cooperation between partners and technology leaders like Florida and Germany delivers tangible benefits—from new jobs to cutting-edge innovation,” stated Ambassador Hanefeld. “By expanding collaboration in strategic technologies, aerospace, life sciences, and research, we are not only helping our businesses – we are strengthening our competitive edge as Team Freedom over those who don’t want our model of democracy and free enterprise to succeed.”

Florida continues to make its mark on the international stage as the 15th largest economy in the world if it was a standalone country. With an annual GDP approaching $1.8 trillion, Florida leads the nation in new business formations and ranks #1 for developing and recruiting a skilled workforce. Recognized by CNBC and U.S. News and World Report as the nation’s top economy, Florida’s pro-business vision continues to drive success at both the national and global level.

The Florida-Germany JDI establishes the commitment of both Florida and Germany to encourage and promote strategic partnerships, technical cooperation and investment in the following priority sectors:

Innovative Technologies and related disciplines including Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies
Photonics and related technologies such as semiconductors
Aerospace and Aviation
Automotive
Life sciences and medical technologies
Workforce training and university collaborations. As of 2024, the total merchandise trade between Florida and Germany amounted to $7.2 billion, a 12.1% increase from 2023 and ranking Germany as Florida’s 7th largest merchandise trading partner. Florida merchandise exports to Germany were valued at $1.4 billion in 2024, a 27.6% increase from 2023.

To view the full Joint Declaration of Intent, click here.