The Florida Chamber advocates for free enterprise, expanding rules-based trade, increasing opportunities for small businesses,
and driving foreign direct investment. Expanding global trade and investment is a key engine for Florida’s continued growth.
The International Trade and Investment Office works daily to advance these priorities on behalf of Florida’s business community.
Florida is Made for Trade
Florida is the third most populous state — and we’re still growing. By 2030, six million more residents are expected to call Florida home,
and two million additional jobs will be needed to support our growing economy. To prepare for this continued growth and to ensure
Florida remains successful, we must continue to seek new opportunities. International trade and investment have long been pillars of
Florida’s economic strength — and our future success depends on remaining a premier hub for global business.
Today, Florida’s economy is projected to grow by 2.5%–3.0% year-over-year, outpacing national growth trends. Florida’s real GDP
has consistently outperformed the U.S. average, driven by strong consumer spending and continued in-migration. If Florida were an
independent country, it would rank as the 16th largest economy in the world. Free and fair trade remains essential to Florida’s
global competitiveness, and policies that promote competition, reduce barriers, and support investment will continue driving job creation
across our state.
The Facts Are Undeniable
Trade
- Over 2 million Florida jobs depend on trade – that’s 1 in 5 Florida jobs.
- Florida ranks as the 7th leading state for origin exports by value.
- 40% of Florida-origin exports are destined to countries with U.S. free trade agreements.
- Florida is 3rd nationally in export intensity, with 37% of manufactured goods exported.
- Over 61,000 Florida companies export, 95% of which are small and medium-sized businesses.
- Florida exports $4+ billion in agricultural products to more than 170 countries.
Investment
- More than 266,000 Floridians are employed by majority-owned U.S. affiliates of foreign companies.
- Florida is the 6th highest state for foreign direct investment (FDI).
- International business and foreign direct investment account for approximately 17% of Florida’s economic activity.