Florida’s tourism industry achieved record-breaking economic results in 2024, contributing $133.6 billion to the state’s economy and saving each of its 9.1 million households approximately $1,730 in state and local taxes, according to a new report by VISIT FLORIDA and Rockport Analytics. The findings underscore tourism’s central role in sustaining public services and employment across the state.
Out-of-state visitors spent $134.9 billion in 2024, a 3.0% increase from the previous year. Domestic travelers accounted for $120.1 billion of that total, while international tourists contributed $14.8 billion. Remarkably, 99 cents of every dollar spent by visitors remained within Florida’s economy, up from 97 cents in 2023, indicating improved local retention of tourism revenue.
The sector supported 1.8 million jobs—1.8% more than in 2023—and generated $79.9 billion in wages, including $44 billion in direct compensation. Additionally, tourism-related activities produced $33.6 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenues, a 3.3% year-over-year increase.
Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized that Florida’s appeal stems from its commitment to personal freedom and public safety, which continue to attract visitors from across the U.S. and abroad. Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, highlighted that the state’s investment in tourism marketing delivers substantial returns, enabling tax relief for residents while fueling economic growth.
The industry welcomed 143 million visitors in 2024, setting a new benchmark for the state. Tourism accounted for 7.8% of Florida’s nominal Gross State Product (GSP), reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of the state’s economic framework.
With nearly 60% of every tourism dollar going toward worker pay, the sector plays a vital role in supporting middle-class livelihoods. The report also noted that without tourism-generated revenues, Florida households would face significantly higher tax burdens to maintain current service levels.
— news from Executive Office of Governor Ron DeSantis
— News Original —
Tourism in Florida Delivers $133.6 Billion in Economic Impact, Nearly $2,000 per Household in Tax Savings in 2024
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —VISIT FLORIDA’s 2024 Economic Impact of Tourism study revealed record-breaking economic contributions to Floridians from the state’s tourism industry. New data confirm that travel and tourism generated $133.6 billion in economic impact in 2024 and saved Florida’s 9+ million households nearly $2,000 each in taxes. n nOut-of-state visitors to Florida spent $134.9 billion last year, a 3.0% increase over 2023. Americans accounted for $120.1 billion of that total, and international visitors contributed $14.8 billion. For every dollar spent by a visitor, 99 cents remained in Florida. n nTourism continued to support Florida’s workforce and tax base in monumental ways. The industry backed 1.8 million jobs in 2024 and generated $79.9 billion in wages. Tourism-related activity produced $33.6 billion in federal, state, and local taxes. n n“Our tourism industry is critical to Florida’s strong economic position,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida remains the top destination for travelers from across the country and the world because we prioritize freedom and safety. Tourism fuels jobs and keeps Florida’s economy strong.” n n”Tourism drives Florida ‘s economy,” said Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “This new data from VISIT FLORIDA ‘s economic impact study demonstrates the value of Florida ‘s investment in tourism and tourism marketing. Florida ‘s 9.1 million households are saving nearly $2,000 a year because of the tax revenues generated by Florida tourism. VISIT FLORIDA will continue to responsibly steward this valuable investment for Florida ‘s residents.” n nHighlights from the 2024 VISIT FLORIDA Economic & Fiscal Impact of Tourism in Florida Report by Rockport Analytics n nTourism in 2024 broke records at 143 million visitors. n nVisitor spending by out-of-state travelers increased by 3.0% in 2024, reaching $134.9 billion. n nThe Travel & Tourism sector accounted for 7.8% of Florida’s Nominal Gross State Product (GSP), contributing $133.6 billion to the state’s economy in 2024. n nFor every $1 spent by a visitor, 99 cents stayed in Florida’s economy, with 59 cents supporting worker salaries. This is up from 97 cents of every dollar being retained in the Florida economy in 2023. n nTaxes generated by travel and tourism in Florida grew 3.3% in 2024, reaching $33.6 billion. n nWithout tourism, Florida households would pay $1,730 more annually in state and local taxes alone to sustain current levels of revenue. n nTourism-supported employment in Florida grew by 1.8% in 2024, reaching 1.8 million jobs. n nTourism-supported wages totaled $79.9 billion, including $44 billion in direct wages. This represents a 4.6% year-over-year growth from 2023.