Florida has the nation’s fourth-largest economy and third-largest workforce — assets that prompt WalletHub research to reveal that Florida is not only a top-two place to start a business, but also the best business environment in the nation. In the first quarter of 2023, Florida’s real economic growth was ranked 11th in the nation, representing 3.5% annual growth, while the U.S. experienced 2% quarterly growth.
There is steady population growth that is matched by a strong workforce and a continual influx of major employers across a wide variety of industries. Fact is, the state of Florida is a vital place, offering both settings to live well and enjoy economic comfort.
The Regions
FLORIDA BY THE NUMBERS
Population 22.6 million
3rd largest in the U.S.
Civilian Labor Force 11.1 million
3rd largest in the U.S.
Gross Domestic Product $1.47 trillion
4th largest in the U.S.
Per Capita Personal Income $64,806
2nd in the Southeast
FLORIDA BY THE NUMBERS
Population 22.6 million
3rd largest in the U.S.
Civilian Labor Force 11.1 million
3rd largest in the U.S.
Gross Domestic Product $1.47 trillion
4th largest in the U.S.
Per Capita Personal Income $64,806
2nd in the Southeast
Airports
• Destin-Fort Walton Beach
• Northwest Florida Beaches International
• Pensacola International
• Tallahassee International
Seaports
• Port Panama City
• Port of Pensacola
• Port of Port St. Joe
Key Demographics
Population | 1,667,453 |
Labor Force | 749,828 |
Total Earnings | $43.8B |
Per Capita Income | $52,641 |
Total Retail Sales | $29.4B |
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Oct 2023, Florida DEO; Woods & Poole Economics, 2023
North Central
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Key Demographics
Population | 991,864 |
Labor Force | 426,260 |
Total Earnings | $20.7B |
Per Capita Income | $41,539 |
Total Retail Sales | $15.4B |
Airports
• Gainesville Regional
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Oct 2023, Florida DEO; Woods & Poole Economics, 2023
Key Demographics
Population | 2,054,594 |
Labor Force | 971,122 |
Total Earnings | $59.4B |
Per Capita Income | $60,692 |
Total Retail Sales | $39.5B |
Airports
• Jacksonville International
• Northeast Florida Regional
Seaports
• JAXPORT
• Port of Fernandina
Spaceports
• Cecil Spaceport
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Oct 2023, Florida DEO; Woods & Poole Economics, 2023
Key Demographics
Population | 5,088,496 |
Labor Force | 2,538,440 |
Total Earnings | $144.7B |
Per Capita Income | $55,771 |
Total Retail Sales | $92.5B |
Airports
• St. Peteg-Clearwater International
• Sarasota Bradenton International
• Tampa International
Seaports
• Port Manatee
• Port of St. Petersburg
• Port Tampa Bay
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Oct 2023, Florida DEO; Woods & Poole Economics, 2023
East Central
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Key Demographics
Population | 3,896,059 |
Labor Force | 2,124,504 |
Total Earnings | $128.6B |
Per Capita Income | $57,765 |
Total Retail Sales | $74.8B |
Airports
• Daytona Beach International
• Orlando Melbourne International
• Orlando International
• Orlando Sanford International
Seaports
• Port Canaveral
Spaceports
• Cape Canaveral Spaceport
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Oct 2023, Florida DEO; Woods & Poole Economics, 2023
Key Demographics
Population | 1,447,625 |
Labor Force | 667,907 |
Total Earnings | $36.3B |
Per Capita Income | $86,202 |
Total Retail Sales | $30.7B |
Airports
• Punta Gorda
• Southwest Florida International
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Oct 2023, Florida DEO; Woods & Poole Economics, 2023
South Central
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Key Demographics
Population | 262,527 |
Labor Force | 100,607 |
Total Earnings | $4.3B |
Per Capita Income | $39,586 |
Total Retail Sales | $3.4B |
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Oct 2023, Florida DEO; Woods & Poole Economics, 2023
Key Demographics
Population | 7,097,566 |
Labor Force | 3,651,723 |
Total Earnings | $255.5B |
Per Capita Income | $96,231 |
Total Retail Sales | $158.9B |
Airports
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International
• Key West International
• Miami International
• Palm Beach International
Seaports
• Port Everglades
• Port of Fort Pierce
• Port of Key West
• PortMiami
• Port of Palm Beach
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Oct 2023, Florida DEO; Woods & Poole Economics, 2023
How to use the map: Click a region for key statistics and a link to the full report. Click the in the upper right corner to return to the main map.