Free Enterprise Florida
Florida vs. Illinois: Two States. Two Approaches. Different Results.
Florida’s economic success is not accidental. Pro-business policies and a commitment to free enterprise have helped create an environment where people, businesses and investment can grow.
Our goal isn’t to have Illinois fail. It’s to have America win.
See Why Illinois Is Our New Runner-Up ↓There’s a New Runner-Up.
After taking Florida’s competitiveness message to New York, the Free Enterprise Florida campaign is expanding to Illinois. The Florida Chamber has named Illinois Governor JB Pritzker a runner-up for Florida Economic Developer of the Year as the campaign highlights the movement of people, businesses and taxable income between Illinois and Florida.
Florida is competing every day for the people, businesses and investment that will shape our future. The numbers tell a compelling story. People and businesses have choices, and they are choosing states where they have the opportunity to grow and succeed. Florida has created an environment where free enterprise and innovation can thrive, and that gives us a competitive advantage.Mark Wilson President & CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce
Florida vs. Illinois by the Numbers
The differences between Florida and Illinois are measurable economic outcomes. These comparisons highlight how the two states are performing across population growth, business relocation, income migration, employment, taxes and other indicators of economic competitiveness.
People Are Voting With Their Feet — and Their Income.
The competition between states is not theoretical. Every year, people decide where to live, businesses decide where to invest and expand, and income moves with them.
In 2024, Illinois was the 3rd highest source of net population moving to Florida.
Illinois was the 2nd highest contributor of net income moving into Florida.
See the Full Comparison
A side-by-side look at key indicators of economic competitiveness.
| Metric | Florida | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Year Population Growth | 8.7% | -0.6% |
| Population | 23,462,518 | 12,719,141 |
| Annual Net Migration Per Day | 551 | 13 |
| Net Migration Relationship with Florida | N/A | Illinois is the 3rd highest source of people to Florida. In 2024, 11,659 net people moved from Illinois to Florida. |
| Budget | $117,600,000,000 | $129,600,000,000 |
| Budget Per Capita | $5,012 | $10,189 |
| Debt Per Capita | $963 (#4) | $3,363 (#28) |
| Employment (Pre-Pandemic to Now) | 11.7% | 0.7% |
| Personal Income Tax Burden (Top Rate) | No Income Tax | 4.95% |
| New Business Startups | #1 | #6 |
| Income Migration | $20.6B (#1) | -$5.9B (#49) |
| Income Migration Relationship with Florida | N/A | Illinois is the 2nd highest contributor of income to Florida. A net of $2.4B in income moved into Florida from Illinois. |
| Higher Education | 1 | 35 |
| Business Relocation (2023) | 503 (#1) | -218 (#48) |
|
Price Levels (Regional Price Parity)
#1 is lowest cost of living |
#41 | #33 |
Why Job Creators Continue Choosing Florida
Job creators are choosing Florida because our state offers the freedom to grow, the confidence to invest, world-class education options and the opportunity to compete. Florida’s pro-business climate, robust talent pipeline and long-term commitment to free enterprise continue attracting employers, entrepreneurs, investors and workers from across the world.
Florida continues to lead because our state has chosen a model that rewards innovation, encourages investment, supports private-sector job creation and keeps government focused on creating the conditions for growth.
Economic Opportunity: Business growth, entrepreneurship, investment and economic momentum.
Competitiveness: Low taxes, predictable state regulations, business confidence and investment certainty.
Workforce & Talent: Talent pipeline, education alignment, future workforce and employer solutions.
Quality of Life: Strong communities, innovation hubs, economic opportunity and long-term prosperity.
Every New Florida Job Moves Us Closer to Our Goal.
The Florida 2030 Blueprint is the Florida Chamber’s strategic plan for growing Florida into a Top 10 Global Economy by 2030. Every company that expands, every entrepreneur who launches and every new Florida job moves our state one step closer to achieving that goal.
Join the Movement to Keep Florida Competitive
Free enterprise does not sustain itself. Every legislative session, every election cycle and every policy debate helps determine Florida’s future.
Join thousands of business leaders working together through the Florida Chamber to protect free enterprise, strengthen economic competitiveness and secure Florida’s future.
- Help make America more competitive by highlighting policies that target 4% GDP growth.
- Shape pro-business public policy.
- Connect with Florida’s leading business executives.
- Access exclusive research and economic intelligence.
- Support Florida’s long-term competitiveness.
Be Part of Securing Florida's Future
Complete the form to learn how you and your company can engage with the Florida Chamber and help strengthen Florida’s competitiveness.
Florida Is Winning. Help Us Keep Florida, Florida.
Florida’s success is the result of free enterprise, strong leadership and a business community willing to engage. The next chapter of Florida’s economy is being written now. Be part of it.
Media Inquiries
For interview requests, media inquiries or additional information regarding the Free Enterprise Florida campaign, please contact the Florida Chamber Communications Team.
media@flchamber.com