Amazon’s relentless drive for growth and efficiency has led to the closure of another major facility in Florida, affecting nearly 500 workers.
The e-commerce giant announced the shutdown of its Port St. Lucie facility, effective September 17, as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize and optimize its logistics network.
The closure is expected to impact approximately 494 employees, with separations taking place on September 17 and December 17. Amazon stated that the layoffs are expected to be permanent, although employees who secure transfers to other available positions within the company will not be laid off.
Affected workers will receive information regarding benefits and, where applicable, severance. The majority of those impacted are fulfillment-center associates, with 466 employees listed in the FC Associate I role.
This is not the first closure for Amazon in Florida. The company previously shut down its TMB8 facility in Homestead, Florida, affecting approximately 616 employees. The two closures combined will impact around 1,110 Amazon employees in Florida.
Why is Amazon Closing Facilities?
Amazon has been investing heavily in its logistics infrastructure, with a focus on modernizing and optimizing its warehouses, transportation systems, and delivery stations. The company aims to generate more revenue from its logistics network and offer ultra-fast delivery services to customers.
Amazon’s CEO, Andy Jassy, has compared the opportunity to Amazon Web Services, which began as internal infrastructure before becoming a major outside business. The company is currently expanding the services supported by its warehouses, transportation systems, and delivery stations.
Both the Port St. Lucie and Homestead facilities are expected to reopen in 2028 after undergoing major upgrades and conversion work. The reopened sites are also expected to support significant employment, including approximately 1,000 jobs at the upgraded Homestead facility.
A Closer Look at Amazon’s Logistics Expansion
Amazon has spent years dividing its U.S. fulfillment network into regional systems, keeping inventory closer to customers. This strategy can shorten delivery routes, reduce transportation expenses, and help Amazon offer same-day or next-day delivery more frequently.
The company has made significant strides in ultra-fast delivery, with same-day or overnight service for over 1 billion products in the first half of 2026. Amazon has also introduced one-hour delivery on over 90,000 products in hundreds of cities and three-hour delivery in over 2,000 cities and towns.
Amazon’s expansion into logistics services for businesses that do not sell products through its marketplace has also been a key focus. The company launched Amazon Supply Chain Services in May, which offers a range of services supported by its warehouses, transportation systems, and delivery stations.
Impact on Employees
The closure of the Port St. Lucie facility will have a significant impact on the affected employees, who will face a gap of approximately two years before the facility reopens. Employees who secure transfers to other available positions within the company will be able to remain with Amazon, while those who choose not to transfer will be eligible to seek jobs at the upgraded facilities when they reopen.
Amazon’s focus on modernizing and optimizing its logistics network is a key driver of the company’s growth and efficiency efforts. As the company continues to expand its logistics services and invest in its infrastructure, it is likely that more facilities will be closed and reopened in the coming years.
