National construction management firm Moss is expanding its mid-Florida footprint with the acquisition of Tampa-based Ellison Construction, a move aimed at increasing capacity and strengthening its ability to deliver complex projects across the Tampa Bay region.
The deal brings together two Florida-rooted builders with long-standing regional ties and shared priorities around community-focused development. According to the company, the acquisition will deepen Moss’ existing presence in Tampa Bay while allowing the firm to better serve clients through expanded expertise, resources and workforce capacity.
“We’re excited to welcome Ellison Construction’s talented team into Moss. Their values and commitment to quality make them a natural fit with the culture and long-term vision that guide our work,” Moss CEO Scott Moss said. “This acquisition is about building a stronger, more resilient business — one that can better serve our clients, invest in our people, and help shape the future of the Tampa Bay communities where we live and build.”
Moss already maintains strong relationships and a significant project portfolio in the region. The addition of Ellison Construction aligns with the company’s long-term growth strategy, reinforcing its focus on thoughtful, market-driven expansion rather than rapid consolidation.
For Ellison Construction, the acquisition reflects a strategic decision centered on people, clients and future growth opportunities.
“This was a thoughtful decision about future growth and what best serves our people and clients,” said Cory Ellison, president of Ellison Construction, who will join Moss along with the broader Ellison team. “We found a partner that values culture, collaboration and the community as much as we do. Moss is a respected builder and industry leader, and the alignment between our teams and their long-term vision made this the right path forward.”
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While Ellison Construction will be integrated into Moss, Ellison Development will continue to operate as a separate entity, with Casey Ellison remaining as CEO. The transaction allows Ellison leadership to focus on development initiatives, including the newly announced ARK Ellison fund, which Casey Ellison leads alongside Cathie Wood and ARK Invest.
Ellison Development remains active on several high-profile projects, including The Central in St. Pete, the Heights Redevelopment in Tampa Heights, and The Fletcher District in partnership with the University of South Florida.
Additionally, Sam Ellison will continue to lead Ellison Advisors, an owner’s representative firm currently working with clients such as the Tampa Museum of Art and the Tampa Theatre.
The acquisition does not impact Ellison’s previously proposed redevelopment concept for portions of the Tropicana Field site. Earlier this year, Casey Ellison partnered with Cathie Wood on a phased redevelopment proposal, which Mayor Ken Welch has said he is reviewing. The city has pushed the timeline for selecting a development team to January.
That proposal outlines a $6.8 billion mixed-use development, featuring 863 affordable housing units, 618 affordable senior units, 444 workforce units, and 1,776 market-rate units. The plan also includes more than 1,500 hotel rooms and reserves nearly 45% of the site for public parks, cultural assets and civic space.
With the acquisition finalized, Moss positions itself for continued growth across Florida’s most active construction markets while maintaining a focus on long-term community impact and strategic partnerships.
Originally reported by Janelle Irwin Taylor in Florida Politics.
