Foreign Trade Zone No. 249, serving Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties, is a key asset for businesses involved in international trade, logistics and manufacturing. Administered by the Pensacola-Escambia Promotion and Development Commission with support from FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance, FTZ 249 helps companies reduce costs, improve cash flow and boost global competitiveness.
Located in Pensacola and designated by the federal government, FTZ 249 allows businesses to import goods for storage, assembly or manufacturing without immediately paying customs duties. Duties are deferred until goods enter U.S. commerce—and if re-exported, no duties are paid at all. This structure provides significant savings and supply chain flexibility for companies managing complex international operations.
FTZ 249 operates under the Alternative Site Framework, which allows qualified businesses to activate zone status at their own sites throughout the region. New usage-driven sites can be approved in as little as 30 days, and manufacturing sites in about 120 days—making FTZ 249 one of the most responsive zones in the Southeast.
The zone includes several strategic locations:
- Century Industrial Park: 140 acres with warehouse facilities and easy access to I-10 and I-65.
- Pensacola International Airport: 1,400 acres with two runways and on-site customs services.
- Port of Pensacola: Deep-water access, CSX rail service and more than 3,000 feet of berthing space.
- Additional sites: Including the privately operated Pensacola Marine Terminal and the Spruce Street Industrial Complex with heavy industrial zoning and rail connections.
Industries best positioned to benefit include aerospace, automotive, electronics, machinery, petrochemicals, shipbuilding and logistics. FTZ 249 offers tools to help manage inventory, increase manufacturing flexibility and avoid import quotas—giving companies a competitive edge in global markets.
FloridaWest is working to increase awareness of FTZ 249 as both a recruitment and retention tool. By integrating FTZ access into site development, workforce planning and business outreach, Northwest Florida can offer a stronger value proposition to companies looking to grow.
Businesses interested in FTZ 249 are encouraged to contact FloridaWest EDA to explore eligibility, activation and next steps.
Businesses interested in exploring FTZ designation can connect with FloridaWest EDA for guidance on eligibility, activation, and site-specific strategies.
For more information, visit FloridaWest EDA’s FTZ 249 page or call (850) 898-2201.
