The research team at the Florida Chamber Foundation today released its 2026 Florida Business & Economic Mid-Year Report, highlighting that Florida’s $1.8 trillion economy continues to demonstrate resilience and strength despite slowing national and state economic growth.
The report examines the data behind today’s rapidly changing economic headlines, helping business leaders and policymakers distinguish long-term trends from short-term market fluctuations and make informed decisions for Florida’s future.
“Headlines change every day, but the data tells the real story,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation. “Florida remains one of the strongest economies in the world, but our success isn’t guaranteed. Staying competitive means continuing to invest in talent, infrastructure, innovation, and free enterprise while making decisions based on facts, not headlines or what’s popular. That’s how we keep Florida on track to become a top 10 global economy by 2030.”
The report highlights continued migration, a stabilizing housing market, and growth in key industries while identifying the economic trends business leaders and policymakers should watch during the second half of 2026.
Among the report’s key findings:
- Strong but Slowing Migration: Florida continues to attract new residents, with a net average of 551 people moving to the state each day.
- Housing Market Stability: Florida’s single-family home sales have increased year over year for 10 consecutive months, signaling continued market stability.
- Target Industries Continue to Grow: Strategic investments in aerospace and aviation continue strengthening Florida’s labor market even as overall population growth moderates.
- Inflation Impacts: Higher housing and transportation costs continue to influence consumer spending and hiring decisions across Florida.
“Florida’s talented workforce is the foundation of our state’s economic success, and we remain focused on ensuring Floridians have the skills needed to compete for high-skill, high-wage jobs,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to make record investments in our talent pipeline—ensuring that Florida’s workforce matches the needs of our target industries, and keeping Florida and its communities the best place to live, work and grow a business.”
The report also underscores the importance of strengthening Florida’s workforce pipeline to meet future demand across the state’s 12 target industries, such as aerospace and aviation, reinforcing the long-term priorities outlined in the Florida 2030 Blueprint.
Click here to view the complete 2026 Florida Business & Economic Mid-Year Report.
For a deep dive into how changing global dynamics are impacting Florida’s future, leaders are encouraged to attend the Future of Florida Forum (F3) & Florida Chamber Annual Meeting in Orlando, October 27-28, where key discussions and collaboration on Florida’s long-term growth and competitiveness will take place. Register here.