This Memorandum of Understanding establishes a practical framework for cooperation across key sectors including aerospace and aviation, manufacturing, life sciences and advanced technologies

ORLANDO, Fla.—Today, the State of Florida and Minister of Economic Affairs of Baden-Württemberg, Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the state of Florida and the state of Baden-Wü rttemberg, expanding cooperation in the promotion of investment, innovation and technological competitiveness. This MOU establishes a practical framework for cooperation across key sectors including aerospace and aviation, manufacturing, life sciences and advanced technology.

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for our state,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “By signing this Memorandum of Understanding, Florida and Baden-Württemberg formalize a year-long effort—bringing together government, industry and academia to drive outcomes across key sectors including aerospace and aviation, manufacturing, life sciences and advanced technology.”

“Baden-Württemberg and Florida are strong business regions that share a clear commitment to shaping the industries of the future,” said Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister of Economic Affairs, Labor and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg. “This partnership allows us to jointly advance innovation and competitiveness in strategic sectors such as aerospace, mobility, clean energy and digital technologies. By bringing together our strengths and networks, we are creating new opportunities for companies, driving growth, and securing high-quality jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.

Photo: Minister Hoffmeister-Kraut and Secretary Kelly sign Memorandum of Understanding in Orlando.

Florida continues to make its mark on the international stage as the 15^th 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. This success is a direct result of Governor DeSantis’ commitment to investing in Florida’s workforce and infrastructure.

This MOU represents the culmination of year-long discussions and collaboration that began in July of 2024 during Secretary Kelly’s visit to Stuttgart, Germany where he met with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism to explore the ways Florida and the Baden-Württemberg region could work together. The dialogue continued in January of 2025 at Arab Health, where representatives from SelectFlorida and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration met again with representatives of the Ministry and several Baden-Württemberg companies. In June of 2025, Governor DeSantis led an international trade and business development mission to France and the 55^th International Paris Air Show, a highlight of which was his meeting with Minister Hoffmeister-Kraut to discuss common interests. Following those discussions, Secretary Kelly, Florida Secretary of Transportation Jared W. Perdue and members of the delegation met with Baden-Württemberg leadership in Stuttgart.

This MOU establishes the commitment of both Florida and Baden-Württemberg to encourage and promote strategic partnerships, technical cooperation and investment in the following priority sectors:

·     Aviation and Aerospace
·     Automotive and Advanced Air Mobility Solutions
·     Smart Manufacturing
·     Life Science and Medical Technologies
·     Workforce Development
·     Advanced Technology and Innovation
·     Defense and Dual-Use Technologies
·     Construction Codes and Resilience

As of 2024, Germany 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 7^th largest merchandise trading market. Florida merchandise exports to Germany were valued at $1.4 billion in 2024, a 27.6% increase from 2023.

To view the full Memorandum of Understanding, click here.