Amazon plans to close Florida facility, affecting nearly 500 workers

Amazon is set to close another fulfillment facility in Florida, with nearly 500 employees expected to be affected as part of the company's ongoing network optimization strategy. A newly filed Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) confirms that the Port St. Lucie facility will cease operations on September 17, impacting 494 workers.

According to the filing, the layoffs will be classified as permanent unless employees successfully transfer to other Amazon locations before their separation dates. The affected workers will leave the company in phases, with separations scheduled for September 17 and December 17.

The latest closure comes shortly after Amazon shut down its Homestead (TMB8) facility, a move that affected more than 600 employees across multiple roles, including warehouse associates, managers, transportation staff, safety teams, and human resources personnel.

Although the closures result in immediate job losses, Amazon says both facilities are part of long-term modernization plans. The Port St. Lucie site is expected to undergo a $200 million renovation, with operations anticipated to resume after approximately two years. Similarly, the Homestead facility is being upgraded and is expected to reopen by late 2028, creating around 1,000 jobs once completed.

Amazon stated that it regularly evaluates its logistics network to improve efficiency, customer service, and employee experience. The company noted that upgrading existing facilities is part of its broader strategy to modernize operations and support future growth.

The closures also come amid Amazon's wider restructuring efforts, following thousands of corporate job cuts over the past year. While the facility shutdowns are tied to infrastructure upgrades rather than cost-cutting alone, they reflect the company's continued focus on streamlining operations and building a more efficient fulfillment network.