5 reasons South Florida is great fit for Amazon

Through decades of challenges ranging from natural disasters and crime to recession and surges in immigration, South Florida has demonstrated a resilience that has seen Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties evolve into an economic powerhouse that is highly diversified and a center of innovation. The region’s spot among Amazon finalists is “huge validation,” experts say.

Here are five factors we think give South Florida an advantage in its bid for Amazon’s second North American headquarters:

Economy: $300 billion Gross Domestic Product — 38th largest in the world. Six million residents (53 percent bilingual), 3,000,000-person labor force. Taxation: No personal state or local income tax. Interstate and overseas transportation: Long considered a gateway, South Florida is one of the few locations in the United States with three international airports and seaports offering businesses an outlet to foreign markets and multiple domestic destinations. Airports offer more than 2,000 daily direct flights. Two major rail lines haul freight in and out of the state.

Advanced education system: Multiple private and public universities offer an array of educational opportunities. Four research universities operate in the region.

Recreation and entertainment: South Florida has teams in all four major pro leagues, as well as three major performing arts centers, 150 miles of beaches and 250-plus sunny days per year.

SOURCES: Economic development agencies, developers, government officials, news reports.