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J.P. Morgan CEO praises Florida’s business climate as the company expands its presence in the state



In an interview with Bloomberg on Monday, J.P. Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon praised Florida’s business environment, asserting that moves made by state legislators in recent years have facilitated strong economic growth.

Dimon, a frequent donor to the Democratic Party, remarked that “Florida likes business,” and suggested that other states should look to The Sunshine State as a guideline for policy relating to taxes and business regulation.

“They want you to come,” Dimon told Bloomberg. “We’re very pro-Florida. If you were running the state, you know, you should be thinking, ‘How can I make the state well off for my people?’”

Dimon also stated that J.P. Morgan is growing in Florida “left and right,” joining a growing number of large enterprises moving to the state. Last summer, Ken Griffin, Illinois’ richest person and founder of the investment firm Citadel, announced that he is relocating his company from Chicago to Miami, citing a more business-friendly atmosphere.

In a memo sent to employees, Griffin noted that Florida harbors a better corporate environment due to its favorable tax structure and lack of an income tax. Citadel is one of the most successful hedge-fund firms, overseeing $51 billion in assets.

J.P. Morgan has also made moves to assist in the proliferating development of Miami’s financial scene, announcing last year that it is committing $10 million toward the $100 million Tech Equity Miami initiative to support greater inclusivity in hiring practices.

“You go there, they’re optimistic,” Dimon continued. “Pro-America and pro-business.”

According to its website, J.P. Morgan has 414 branches in Florida as well as large-scale wealth management operations in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. The company’s asset management division has invested in a number of major real estate projects throughout the state, including luxury hotels, residential properties, and commercial developments.

Further, J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives was re-appointed last year by the Florida State Board of Administration (SBA) as manager for a second tranche of the Florida Growth Fund. As part of the mandate, J.P. Morgan committed to constructing a return-enhancing private equity portfolio focused on technology, growth, and buyouts in Florida.