Florida has been named the top state for attracting and developing a skilled workforce for the third consecutive year, according to the 2024 Talent Attraction Scorecard released by Lightcast. The annual scorecard evaluates states based on factors such as job growth, education attainment, regional competitiveness, and migration data.
Governor Ron DeSantis commented on the ranking: “Florida set an ambitious goal to be number one in workforce education by 2030—and we continue to march towards this achievement,” he said. “We’re not just preparing for the future—we’re ahead of schedule, building a workforce ready for high-demand, high-wage careers today.”
In addition to being ranked first overall, Florida also received top marks in several categories: #1 for overall job growth, #1 for competitive effect, #2 for skilled job growth, and #3 for high-earning job growth.
The state is home to seven of the ten highest-scoring Large Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the country. These include Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach (#3), Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford (#4), Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin (#5), North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota (#7), Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater (#8), Lakeland-Winter Haven (#9), and Naples-Marco Island (#10). Four Florida Mid-Sized MSAs also ranked in the national top ten: Wildwood-The Villages (#1), Panama City-Panama City Beach (#4), Punta Gorda (#5), and Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor (#9).
J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce, highlighted the role of educational and training programs: “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, we’re creating opportunities for both job seekers and job creators through a strong focus on education and workforce training,” he said. “Florida continues to lead the nation with an economy where workforce and talent development are a priority to our success as we continue to build a future full of opportunity for anyone ready to grow and succeed here in the Free State of Florida.”
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas emphasized ongoing efforts: “For the third year in a row, Florida has earned the top spot for attracting and developing a skilled workforce. This consistent Number 1 ranking is proof that our talent pipeline is delivering results,” he said. “We’re committed to keeping this momentum going so Floridians are prepared for high-value careers and businesses have the talent they need to thrive.”
Ray Rodrigues, Chancellor of the State University System of Florida, pointed out collaborative initiatives between business leaders and universities: “Florida is a national leader because of intentional collaboration between the state’s business leaders and university faculty shaping curriculum,” he said. “The State University System of Florida’s 2030 Strategic Plan highlights the importance of university presidents working with industry leaders, attracting top-tier faculty, and preparing students for successful careers. Thanks to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature’s recent investment of $200M to recruit and retain world-class faculty, Florida can remain #1. The Lightcast rankings demonstrate our steadfast commitment to emphasizing degrees that propel students forward and align with Florida’s workforce needs.”
Adrienne Johnston, President and CEO of CareerSource Florida added: “Florida’s top ranking in talent attraction and development for the third year in a row is a testament to our strategic investments in workforce education and our commitment to preparing Floridians for the jobs of tomorrow,” she said. “At CareerSource Florida, we’re proud to help lead the charge in building a resilient, future-ready workforce that powers our state’s continued economic success.”
Florida was also ranked sixth nationally in educational attainment—a notable improvement attributed by officials to alignment between educational programs and employer needs across sectors.
Since Governor DeSantis took office there has been an emphasis on investing in workforce education as well as infrastructure improvements designed both to attract new businesses into the state—resulting in 3.8 million new businesses formed since 2019—including more than 360,700 already established during 2025.
