How Big Is the Tourism Industry in Florida?

By Robert Palmer

Florida, also known as the “Sunshine State” is a popular tourist destination in the United States. With its beautiful beaches, theme parks, wildlife parks, and numerous other attractions, it’s no surprise that tourism is one of the biggest industries in Florida. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at just how big the tourism industry is in Florida.

Florida’s Tourism Industry Overview

Florida is a state that heavily relies on tourism as a significant source of income and job creation. According to Visit Florida, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation, tourists spent $91.3 billion in Florida in 2018 alone. This spending generated approximately $12.7 billion in state and local taxes and supported over 1.5 million jobs.

Top Tourist Attractions In Florida

Florida offers an array of tourist attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top attractions that draw millions of visitors to the state every year:

Beaches

Florida has over 1,350 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico which makes it home to some of America’s most stunning beaches. Some popular beaches include Miami Beach, Clearwater Beach, Daytona Beach, and Cocoa Beach.

Theme Parks

Orlando is known as the theme park capital of the world with four major theme parks- Walt Disney World Resort including Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot Center, Disney’s Hollywood Studios & Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park; Universal Orlando Resort including Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure; SeaWorld Orlando; LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

Nature & Wildlife Parks

The Everglades National Park is one of Florida’s most popular natural attractions with its unique ecosystem comprising sawgrass prairies and mangrove swamps that are home to several endangered species. Other popular wildlife parks include Busch Gardens, Gatorland, and the Miami Zoo.

Conclusion

The tourism industry in Florida is massive and continues to grow each year. With its beautiful beaches, theme parks, nature reserves, and other attractions, Florida draws millions of visitors from around the world.

The state’s tourism industry supports thousands of jobs and generates billions of dollars in revenue for the state’s economy. If you are planning a trip to Florida anytime soon, be sure to take advantage of all the state has to offer!