Florida has set a new record for tourism, welcoming 142.9 million visitors in 2024, according to an announcement by Governor Ron DeSantis. This figure represents a 1.6% increase over the previous year, which was also a record for the state.
The fourth quarter of 2024 saw 33.1 million visitors, marking the highest visitation for any fourth quarter on record. The influx included 29.9 million domestic visitors, 2.5 million from overseas, and 742,000 from Canada.
“The results are clear—Florida is the best place to visit, live, and do business,” stated Governor DeSantis. He emphasized that this achievement underscores the importance of leadership and highlighted Florida as a model for the nation.
J. Alex Kelly, Secretary of Commerce, praised Governor DeSantis’ leadership and noted that Florida’s tourism industry remains at the forefront globally despite challenges like hurricanes Helene and Milton. Kelly pointed out that tourism has driven economic growth and improved quality of life in Florida.
Despite adverse weather conditions during hurricane season, hotel occupancy rose by 6.7% in Q4 of 2024, with annual room nights sold increasing by 1.6%. Airports across Florida reported a 3.1% rise in total enplanements compared to the previous year.
In detail, domestic visitors accounted for 130.7 million of the total in calendar year (CY) 2024—a rise of 1.3% from CY 2023—while overseas visitors numbered 8.9 million, up by 6.6%, nearing pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019. Canadian visitor numbers increased by 1.2%, totaling 3.3 million.
Overall, domestic travelers made up 91.5% of all visits to Florida in CY 2024; overseas travelers comprised 6.2%, and Canadians represented another 2.3%. Growth was particularly notable at airports in Tallahassee, Panama City, and Pensacola.
