Brazilian Impact in Orlando: The Consul General’s Visit to BIZCENTER USA

Orlando, Florida — The impact of the Brazilian community in Florida has become increasingly evident, as demonstrated by the recent visit of the Consul General of Brazil, Ambassador João Lucas Quental, to BIZCENTER USA, considered the best coworking space in Orlando. During the meeting, entrepreneurs from various sectors shared their success stories, highlighting the crucial role they play in strengthening the local economy.

The Brazilian Community in Numbers

During the visit, the Consul General shared important data about the Brazilian population in Florida. According to Quental, the 2020 census revealed that Florida is home to around 180,000 Brazilians. However, he believes this number is underestimated, with more realistic estimates suggesting around 400,000 to 450,000 Brazilians. The Florida government, in turn, estimates that 300,000 Brazilians reside in the state, with 150,000 fluent in Portuguese. These figures reflect the growing influence of the Brazilian community in the region, with a continuous growth trend.

Brazilian Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Orlando is one of the main cities attracting Brazilians, and this is reflected in the diversity of businesses established by these immigrants. Gustavo Rangel, who works in the insurance sector, shared his experience serving a wide range of clients, from investors to property owners. He highlighted the creativity and resilience of Brazilians in finding solutions for unique situations, such as insurance for specialized professionals in high-risk areas. With a diversified portfolio that includes everything from auto insurance to commercial insurance, Gustavo exemplified how Brazilians adapt their skills to meet specific needs, such as fiber optic installation, a field in which he found innovative solutions for his clients.

Roberto Fernandes, commercial director of an immigration office, emphasized the importance of specialized services for the growing immigrant community. He shared that the demand for legalization processes, such as Green Cards, has increased significantly as more Brazilians settle in Orlando, attracted by job opportunities and quality of life.

Connections and Culture

Carol Souza, an American of Brazilian descent who works at Multimedia, Inc., brought a unique perspective by highlighting how Brazilian culture influences the dynamics of the coworking space. Having lived in Brazil for 18 years before returning to the United States, Carol is fluent in Portuguese and easily connects with the Brazilian community. Her grandchildren, who were born in the U.S., also speak Portuguese, reflecting the commitment of Brazilian families to keep their language and culture alive. She also stressed the importance of keeping Portuguese alive among the younger generations, emphasizing how cultural integration is essential to strengthen the Brazilian community in Florida.

Education and Culture: Challenges and Opportunities

Education was also a central theme during the meeting. Quental mentioned that between 2022 and 2023, the number of Brazilian children enrolled in schools in Orange County increased by nearly 1,000, representing a 10% growth. In Osceola County, around 1,500 children speak Portuguese, highlighting the need for more bilingual teachers and staff to meet this growing demand, especially to help with adjustment and connection to the new language.

BIZCENTER USA: A Successful Meeting Point

BIZCENTER USA has played a vital role in promoting entrepreneurship among Americans, Brazilians and  citizens of different nationalities in Orlando. With over 60 years of experience in communication, Fernando Mariano, president and CEO of BIZCENTER USA, has transformed the coworking space into a luxury venue that attracts entrepreneurs from various sectors and nationalities. He shared his journey, from founding Multimedia in 1991 to diversifying his business to include high-end coworking, which today stands out as one of the best in the city. Founded in 2018 as a response to changes in the advertising market, BIZCENTER USA has established itself as a luxury space designed to offer the best in infrastructure and services for demanding professionals.

The visit of Consul General João Lucas Quental to BizCenter USA reinforced the importance of the Brazilian community in Orlando. With a growing population and increasing influence in the economic and cultural sectors, Brazilians are shaping Florida’s future. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities, as well as to strengthen ties and promote networking among entrepreneurs who are transforming the region.