Fintech Firm Webull Chooses St. Petersburg Over Miami for New Headquarters

Company cites talent pool, quality of life, and opportunity to shape a growing tech hub as key factors in relocation decision.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 9:11am

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Webull, a financial technology startup, has relocated its headquarters from Wall Street in New York City to St. Petersburg, Florida, after considering several cities including Miami. The company's chief of staff and head of strategic partnerships, Carlos Questell, explains the decision-making process, highlighting St. Petersburg's strong local talent pool, business-friendly environment, and the opportunity to be a key player in shaping the city's emerging tech hub.

Why it matters

Webull's move from the financial capital of New York to the Tampa Bay area underscores the growing appeal of Florida as a destination for tech and finance companies seeking a more affordable cost of living, favorable business climate, and access to a talented workforce. The decision also reflects a broader trend of companies seeking alternatives to saturated markets like Miami, which has seen an influx of businesses in recent years.

The details

After outgrowing its office space in New York, Webull set clear criteria for its new headquarters location, including a business-friendly environment, strong local talent pool, and high quality of life for employees. While Miami was initially considered, the company ultimately chose St. Petersburg, citing the city's vibrant energy, growing research community, and opportunity to be a key player in shaping the area's emerging FinTech hub. Webull purchased a 150,000-square-foot building in St. Petersburg's financial district and has grown its local workforce to over 150 employees, while maintaining a presence in New York.

  • Webull joined the company in 2021 when it had two floors in a building near the New York Stock Exchange.
  • From August 2022 to January 2023, Webull employees worked out of a coworking space in St. Petersburg while the company searched for a permanent building.
  • Webull purchased a five-story, 150,000-square-foot building in St. Petersburg's financial district at the end of 2022 for $29.5 million.
  • Webull has now moved over 150 employees to its new St. Petersburg headquarters.

The players

Carlos Questell

The 50-year-old Chief of Staff and Head of Strategic Partnerships at Webull, who led the company's relocation from New York to St. Petersburg, Florida.

Webull

A financial technology startup that has relocated its headquarters from Wall Street in New York City to St. Petersburg, Florida.

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What they’re saying

“I was shocked by how vibrant the city felt. A colleague recently told me St. Petersburg reminded her of Austin about 10 years ago, a place on the verge of real growth, and I couldn't agree more.”

— Carlos Questell, Chief of Staff and Head of Strategic Partnerships

“Going from the financial capital to being a trailblazer in this area was stressful, but I think it's always stressful to be a forward thinker. I didn't struggle too much with the decision by reminding myself of that.”

— Carlos Questell, Chief of Staff and Head of Strategic Partnerships

What’s next

Webull plans to continue growing its workforce in St. Petersburg as it looks to shape the city's emerging FinTech hub.

The takeaway

Webull's decision to relocate from Wall Street to St. Petersburg, Florida, highlights the growing appeal of secondary markets for tech and finance companies seeking a more affordable cost of living, favorable business climate, and access to a talented workforce. The move also underscores the potential for cities like St. Petersburg to become new hubs for innovation and economic growth.