The Tampa Bay/I-4 Corridor (TB/I4) Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ), serving the Tampa Bay/Orlando I-4 corridor region, assists qualified importers, exporters, distribution companies and manufacturers by dramatically reducing or even eliminating U.S. Customs duties and fees. The administrative area of the TB/I4 FTZ extends 60 miles or a 90-minute drive from the port area. It encompasses the entire Central Florida region. Hillsborough and Polk counties are particularly attractive; they have been established as an Alternative Site Framework area, allowing for expedited FTZ application processes.

In layman’s terms, the existence of this grand-scale FTZ is a big bonus for many customers. Above and beyond handling cargo, FTZ’s deliver real value in helping companies streamline and strengthen their global supply chains. The commitment is simple: create an environment where businesses thrive.

In 2022, the FTZ was expanded to blanket the entire port complex, now covering Hooker’s Point, Pendola Point, Port Sutton, East Port, Port Redwing, and Southbay. Combined with available acreage, smart infrastructure planning, efficient cargo handling, and unmatched maritime connectivity, this expansion creates a win‑win for every partner. Whether it’s import‑for‑export, warehousing and distribution, or manufacturing, FTZ #79 provides the competitive edge and flexibility businesses need to reach their goals.

Port Tampa Bay doesn’t just move cargo, it moves possibilities.

How FTZ Works is Simple 

A company can store goods in an FTZ site prior to the goods officially clearing U.S. Customs. While the goods are stored, the company can perform a variety to value-added services, ranging from packaging or staging for market entry to full-on manufacturing, all while using U.S.-based workers and know-how. As the company procures raw material, intermediate, or even finished goods from abroad, PTB’s FTZ operations encourage clients to retain and grow a segment of the company’s global operations within the Tampa Bay market.

Big Benefits Using PTB’s FTZ Site 

A company leveraging Port Tampa Bay’s FTZ site enjoys the flexibility to access both logistical, financial, and operational benefits, some of which are only available at the FTZ # 79 sites.

Logistics Benefits:

• Streamlines international logistical strategy
• Institutes effective inventory and quality control protocols
• Considered as one of the best “Trusted trader” U.S. compliance programs

Revenue Flow Benefits:

• Cash flow = duty deferral until cargo clear U.S. Customs
• Duty obligation can be eliminated (e.g., import-for-export operations)
• Decreased administrative and/or Processing Fees

Operational Benefits:

• PTB market connectivity and re-exporting: imported cargo can be collected and consolidated for re-export without a duty obligation.

• Warehousing and deferred duty obligation: imported goods can go directly into an FTZ site for assembling, testing, or being destroyed without an immediate duty obligation. Duties are only paid when the items are withdrawn from the FTZ to enter U.S. commerce.

• Client services and cargo consolidation. As commodities are staged in PTB warehouses, FTZ shipments can be grouped into consolidated customs entries, reducing merchandise processing fees and paperwork.