Sarasota County Emerges as Unexpected Tech Powerhouse
Fortune 500 companies and fast-growing platforms are quietly building the future in Florida's cultural capital
By Staff Reporter
When Chris Pavlovski moved Rumble's U.S. headquarters from New York to Longboat Key in 2021, tech industry watchers took notice. The video platform CEO—whose company went public on NASDAQ and whose personal wealth hit billionaire status after Rumble's stock surged 190% in 2024—chose Sarasota County over Silicon Valley, Austin, or Miami.
"Moving to Longboat Key is a win-win for Rumble and the Sarasota community," Pavlovski said when announcing the move. The company immediately hired 25 tech workers and committed to investing $50 million in Florida over several years.
Two years later, that bet looks prescient. Rumble's waterfront offices now house a state-of-the-art creator studio where content producers generate millions of views monthly. And Pavlovski isn't alone in recognizing what local economic development officials have been building: a sustainable alternative to the nation's overcrowded, overpriced tech hubs.
Fortune 500 Foundation
What many don't realize is that Sarasota County already hosts a Fortune 500 tech powerhouse. Roper Technologies, a diversified technology company trading on the S&P 500, operates its global headquarters from University Parkway. The $7 billion company designs and develops vertical software and technology-enabled products across healthcare, finance, construction, and other industries.
"About 80% of our sales come from the U.S., but we serve customers worldwide" from right here in Sarasota, according to company information. Roper's presence provides an anchor for the growing tech ecosystem, offering experienced talent and proving that major technology companies can thrive in the market.
The Numbers Behind the Surge
Between 2019 and 2022, Sarasota County ranked fourth nationally for tech talent growth—ahead of traditional powerhouses like Seattle and Boston, according to the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County.
The transformation isn't just about big-name relocations. More than 7,500 tech and professional services companies now employ over 25,000 people across the county's 400,000 residents. That concentration of tech workers exceeds many cities actively courting the industry.
Companies like Nucleus Security are building world-class cybersecurity platforms, while local firms ranging from Clare Controls' smart home automation systems to emerging AI and blockchain startups are finding their footing in the market.
Strategic Infrastructure Investment
The growth builds on years of strategic planning. State College of Florida secured a $3.6 million grant to expand software development and cybersecurity training programs. The Coding Academy features 3D printers, laser cutters, mixed reality labs, and humanoid robots used to develop machine learning and artificial intelligence applications.
"We're not just training people to code," explained Dr. Sarah Martinez, director of workforce development programs. "We're developing problem-solvers who understand both technology and business needs."
The county has also invested heavily in telecommunications infrastructure, recognizing that modern tech companies need reliable, high-speed connectivity regardless of location. The Florida Economic Development Council recently honored the county's tech sector development efforts.
Real Companies, Real Success
Beyond Rumble and Roper, the ecosystem includes dozens of growing companies. Nucleus Security provides a platform that automates vulnerability analysis, prioritization, and response. Trump Media & Technology Group has established operations in the region. Local startups are tackling everything from solar energy solutions to AI-powered recruiting platforms.
"The proximity to Tampa—one of the fastest-growing tech cities in America—combined with our quality of life advantages creates a unique value proposition," said Mark Huey, Vice President of Economic Development for the EDC.
The Competitive Advantage
Local tech workers consistently cite the same factors drawing them to Sarasota: competitive salaries that stretch much further than in traditional tech hubs, access to beaches and cultural amenities, reasonable commute times, and Florida's lack of state income tax.
"I'm making the same salary I made in Austin, but I bought a house with a pool for what a studio apartment cost there," said Maria Rodriguez, a software engineer who relocated last year. "And I'm five minutes from Siesta Key Beach."
The area offers top-rated schools, proximity to Tampa Bay's larger tech ecosystem, and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport providing direct access to major markets.
Growing Pains and Planning
County officials acknowledge the growth brings challenges. Housing costs have risen as tech workers compete with retirees and seasonal residents. Traffic on key corridors like University Parkway has increased. Some longtime residents worry about maintaining the area's character.
"We're committed to managed growth that preserves what makes Sarasota special," said County Commissioner Christian Ziegler. "The goal isn't to become the next Silicon Valley—it's to be the first Sarasota."
The county has implemented workforce housing initiatives and infrastructure improvements to accommodate growth while maintaining quality of life. Unlike some boom-and-bust tech markets, officials emphasize sustainable development over rapid expansion.
Climate Tech Opportunity
While Miami secured federal climate tech grants, Sarasota County is positioned for the next wave of environmental technology. The region's coastal expertise, marine research institutions, and environmental consciousness create natural advantages for companies working on clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and ocean technology.
Several local companies are already operating in this space, though most remain in early stages. The combination of research capabilities at local institutions and practical coastal challenges provides a testing ground for innovative solutions.
Investment and Future Growth
Recent filings suggest Rumble alone created 165 local jobs with management positions paying $170,000 annually and non-management roles averaging $80,000. The company's public trading status and high-profile content creators have brought national attention to the local tech scene.
Venture capital interest in the region is growing, though still far below traditional tech centers. Local officials see this as an opportunity for companies to establish themselves before the market becomes saturated.
"We're at that crucial moment where the infrastructure is built, the talent is flowing in, and the ecosystem is forming," Huey said. "But the secret hasn't fully gotten out yet."
The Sustainable Path Forward
Unlike other tech booms that prioritized rapid growth over long-term planning, Sarasota County appears focused on sustainable development. The emphasis on workforce development, infrastructure investment, and quality of life suggests leaders understand that lasting success requires more than just recruiting companies.
Recent economic development awards and recognition from state organizations indicate the strategy is gaining wider attention. As traditional tech hubs grapple with housing crises, traffic congestion, and quality of life issues, Sarasota's measured approach may prove more attractive to both companies and workers.
The question isn't whether Sarasota will continue growing as a tech destination—the momentum appears well-established. The question is whether the region can maintain its unique character while accommodating that growth.
For tech companies and workers seeking an alternative to traditional hubs, Sarasota County offers a compelling proposition: the infrastructure and opportunities of a major metro with the lifestyle benefits of paradise. As Rumble's success demonstrates, that combination may be exactly what the industry needs.
For information about Sarasota County's tech initiatives, visit the Economic Development Corporation
