• South Florida ports are growing in volume and importance amid global trade shifts with major trading partners in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Europe.
• Sea, air, and rail connectivity in South Florida allows cargo to reach 70% of the U.S. within four days.
• Logistics and distribution leasing activity rebounded in 2025 Q1, nearing 850,000 SF — almost double last year’s quarterly average.
• Customs-valued imports rose 7.9% after October 2024, with March 2025 volumes up 12.3% YOY amid tariff concerns.
• Ongoing infrastructure investments are preparing South Florida for future cargo surges and long-term growth.

South Florida continues to see solid industrial activity, particularly in logistics and distribution. In 2024, top trade partners for imports through the region’s ports included China (9.4%), Colombia (7.6%), and the Dominican Republic (6.1%). Both PortMiami and Port Everglades consistently rank among the top container ports in the U.S., with PortMiami placing 11th for container volume and leading Florida in international containerized cargo. Port Everglades follows closely as the 12th busiest container port nationally. In addition, Miami International Airport remains one of the country’s most active air cargo hubs. 

In the lead-up to official tariff announcements, South Florida ports saw a clear uptick in imports. From January to September 2024, customs-valued imports to the region’s ports averaged $5.6 billion monthly. That figure rose 7.9% between October 2024 and March 2025, reaching an average of $6.1 billion. While Q4 typically sees a seasonal uptick, 2024’s 9.5% increase exceeded the 6.2% and 4.4% gains in the previous two years. Imports in 2025 Q1 rose 5.7% year-over-year, with March alone up 12.3%. April levels pulled back but were slightly ahead of the prior year’s baseline at $5.7 billion.

Colliers Insight

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Beyond volume, infrastructure and multimodal connectivity continue to support logistics and distribution in the region. The two ports are just 30 miles apart, each within 20 minutes of its respective international airport. PortMiami also features advanced on-dock rail facilities operated by Florida East Coast Railway, providing direct links to major inland markets and allowing cargo to reach 70% of the U.S. population within four days.

South Florida’s port infrastructure and long-standing trade relationships continue to attract and support logistics and distribution companies. Leasing activity for the sector peaked in 2021 Q4 and 2022 Q1, when signings totaled 3.8 million SF, before tapering to 1.1 million SF in 2023 Q2. Since then, activity has stabilized between 450,000 and 500,000 SF, rebounding in 2025 Q1 to nearly 850,000 SF. While the region’s vacancy rate is relatively low at around 6%, recent development has helped ease some supply-side pressure, even as land constraints persist in core submarkets. 

Ongoing port investments are aimed at expanding capacity and improving efficiency. PortMiami and Port Everglades are investing in deeper channels, additional Super Post-Panamax cranes, and workforce development. These efforts are designed to keep pace with logistics demand and maintain South Florida’s position as a key global gateway where goods flow quickly to other U.S. markets.