How Much Money Does Tourism Bring to Florida?

By Robert Palmer

Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and sunny weather. It’s no surprise that tourism is one of the state’s biggest industries.

But exactly how much money does tourism bring to Florida? Let’s explore.

Florida Tourism Industry Overview

The tourism industry in Florida is massive, with millions of visitors every year. According to Visit Florida, the official state tourism marketing corporation, 131.4 million tourists visited the state in 2019 alone, a record-breaking number. This number includes domestic and international visitors who came for leisure or business purposes.

Direct Impact on Florida’s Economy

Tourism has a significant impact on Florida’s economy. In 2018, visitors spent $85.9 billion in the state, which was a 6.2% increase from the previous year. This spending supported over 1.5 million jobs in various industries such as hospitality and retail.

Indirect Impact on Florida’s Economy

The impact of tourism goes beyond direct spending by visitors. When tourists spend money at hotels, restaurants, and attractions, those businesses generate revenue that supports their employees and the local economy as a whole.

Additionally, the taxes generated from tourism help fund public services such as education and infrastructure projects.

The Future of Tourism in Florida

Despite challenges posed by events like hurricanes or pandemics that can temporarily disrupt tourism activity in Florida, projections show that the industry will continue to grow over time.

In fact, Visit Florida predicts that by 2023, there will be over 160 million visitors to the state annually who will spend an estimated $186 billion in total.

Conclusion

Overall, it is clear that tourism brings enormous economic benefits to Florida. The industry generates billions of dollars every year and supports millions of jobs across various sectors.

As we look ahead to the future, it is essential to continue investing in Florida’s tourism industry to ensure that it remains a vital part of the state’s economy for years to come.