Florida has reached a new milestone, now ranking as the 15th largest economy in the world, according to an announcement by the Florida Chamber Foundation. The news was shared during the Future of Florida Forum and Florida Chamber Annual Meeting in Orlando, where leaders discussed ongoing progress under the Florida 2030 Blueprint.
“When we launched the Florida 2030 Blueprint, Florida ranked 18th in the world,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation. “Today, we are 15th and gaining ground on Australia. This is the direct result of years of laser focus on free enterprise, principled leadership, smart policy decisions, and business and community leaders working together to secure Florida’s future. Florida’s rise is not just a state story. It is a global story.”
The foundation released an overview from its upcoming Halftime Report on the Blueprint’s progress. Since its launch, there have been notable increases in high-wage jobs and workforce expansion—now totaling over 10 million workers in Florida. The state also reports a measurable reduction in childhood poverty through initiatives like the Florida Prosperity Initiative.
“Florida’s economic success is no accident,” said Sheridan Morby, Senior Research Economist at the Florida Chamber Foundation. “It is the result of businesses, government, and communities working toward a shared vision. The data show clear progress toward making Florida a top 10 global economy by 2030.”
Recent data highlight several achievements:
– Leading position for new business start-ups
– Ranking among top three states for business
– Top spot for manufacturing job growth
– Highest net income migration rate
– No.1 state for Black-owned businesses
– Second place for Hispanic- and women-owned businesses
– Reduction of more than 155,000 children living in poverty since launching the Blueprint
Additionally, Florida’s higher education system holds first place nationally.
Business leaders are encouraged to participate in strategic planning discussions at an upcoming virtual summit scheduled for January 29, 2026—the 2026 Florida Economic Outlook & Jobs Solution Summit. This event will feature input from economists and industry experts about trends shaping both local and global economies.
The foundation clarified that while initial revised figures suggested that Florida had surpassed South Korea economically, South Korea’s latest GDP data have yet to be updated; research staff will continue monitoring these international rankings.
The organization continues its work focusing on long-term strategies intended to maintain competitiveness and prosperity across various sectors throughout the state.
