Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer has launched an effort to attract New York businesses to relocate to his Florida beach city following the recent Democratic primary victory of progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani in New York. Singer made his pitch during an appearance on Fox Business Network’s “Varney & Co.” program.
The mayor’s recruitment drive comes as some business leaders express concern about the potential policy direction under Mamdani, who secured a surprise win in the Democratic primary. Mamdani, known for his progressive stance on economic issues, has advocated for policies that some business owners view as potentially unfavorable to their interests.
Florida’s Business Appeal
During his television appearance, Singer highlighted
Boca Raton’s business-friendly environment, emphasizing Florida’s tax advantages compared to New York. The mayor pointed to Florida’s lack of state income tax and what he described as a more favorable regulatory climate for businesses.
“Boca Raton offers
New York businesses a chance to operate in an environment with lower taxes, less regulation, and a high quality of life,” Singer stated during the broadcast. “We’ve seen a significant influx of businesses from high-tax states over the past few years.”
The mayor also emphasized the city’s growing technology sector, access to talent from nearby universities, and
quality of life factors including beaches, cultural amenities, and year-round warm weather.
Political Shifts Driving Business Decisions
Singer’s pitch comes amid a broader trend of
businesses considering relocations based on political and policy environments. The mayor suggested that Mamdani’s primary victory signals a potential leftward shift in New York’s approach to business regulation and taxation.
Mamdani, who has advocated for increased taxes on high-income earners and stronger worker protections, secured his primary win with support from progressive organizations and labor unions. His
platform includes calls for more affordable housing and expanded public services.
Some
business leaders interviewed on the program expressed concern about how these policies might affect operating costs and regulatory burdens in New York. Singer positioned Boca Raton as an alternative that
offers stability and predictability for business planning.
Competition Among Relocation Destinations
Boca Raton is not alone in its efforts to attract businesses from New York and other Northeastern states. Cities across Florida, Texas, and other Sun Belt states have launched similar recruitment campaigns, creating competition for relocating companies.
Economic development
experts note several factors driving business relocations:
- Tax differences between states
- Regulatory environments
- Cost of living for employees
- Access to talent pools
- Quality of life considerations
Singer highlighted Boca Raton’s specific advantages in these areas, pointing to recent corporate relocations to the city as evidence of its
growing appeal. The mayor cited examples of financial
services firms and technology companies that have established operations in the area over the past two years.
“We’ve created an ecosystem where businesses can thrive while their employees enjoy an exceptional quality of life,” Singer said. “The response to our outreach efforts has been extremely positive.”
Economic Impact of Business Migrations
Economists have noted the significant impact of business relocations on both the communities gaining new employers and those losing them. When businesses move, they bring jobs, tax revenue, and economic activity that can transform local economies.
For Boca Raton, the influx of businesses from the Northeast has contributed to population growth,
rising property values, and expanded commercial development. The city has invested in infrastructure improvements and amenities to accommodate this growth.
New York officials have responded to these recruitment efforts by highlighting the city’s unique advantages, including its global connectivity, diverse talent pool, and status as a financial and cultural capital. They have also implemented programs
aimed at supporting businesses and addressing concerns about costs and regulations.
As the competition for businesses continues, Mayor Singer’s pitch represents the latest chapter in an ongoing economic rivalry between states with different tax and regulatory approaches. The outcome of this competition will shape the economic landscapes of both Boca Raton and New York in the years ahead.
