Steve Ross and Ken Griffin Pledge Millions to Lure CEOs to South Florida

Key Points

• $10 million campaign backed by Related Companies’ Steve Ross and Citadel’s Ken Griffin
• Targets executives in New York, Chicago, California, and other major U.S. hubs
• Highlights Florida’s no state income tax, light regulation, and access to talent

Ambition Accelerated Takes Off

The campaign is run through the Florida Council of 100 and officially launched at the Wall Street Journal Invest Live conference in West Palm Beach, funded by Ross.

Advertising and outreach focus on:

• Encouraging CEOs to relocate or expand offices to Miami, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale
• Messaging emphasizing operational efficiency, growth potential, and lifestyle benefits
• Concierge level guidance for executives considering relocation

Florida’s Business Advantages

• No state income tax and minimal regulatory hurdles
• Growing tech and financial hubs along Florida’s Gold Coast
• Strong real estate infrastructure, including Griffin’s $1B plus bayfront Citadel headquarters in Brickell, a private megayacht marina, and extensive residential holdings
• Ross’ multibillion dollar investment strategy in office purchases, convention center hotel development, and a proposed Vanderbilt University campus

Griffin emphasized that Florida allows executives to focus on growth instead of bureaucracy, while Ross highlighted the region’s strategic value for office, tech, and lifestyle driven investments.

Bottom Line

The “Ambition Accelerated” campaign marks a high profile push to attract top tier business leaders to South Florida. With billionaire backing, national outreach, and a focus on Florida’s business friendly ecosystem, the initiative strengthens the region’s position as a premium hub for corporate relocation and growth