Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida's tourism sector reached new heights in 2023, with tourists spending a record $131 billion. This represents a 5% increase from the previous year. The tourism industry also generated $36.9 billion in tax revenue across local, state, and federal levels.
"Florida can't be beat," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "I'm proud of this new record set for the state. Everyone loves the free state of Florida."
Dana Young, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, echoed these sentiments by stating, "The numbers speak for themselves: Florida’s tourism industry is unmatched. Thanks to the Governor’s leadership, our state has surpassed expectations year after year." She added that these accomplishments are due to the dedication of tourism partners and Florida's strong appeal as a top destination.
Key data from 2023 shows that the economic impact of tourism was $127.7 billion—a 5% increase over 2022 figures. Domestic visitors contributed $116.1 billion while international tourists added $14.9 billion to Florida's economy.
For every dollar spent by a visitor, 97 cents remained within the state's economy; this included 58 cents allocated to worker salaries and 13 cents collected as taxes at various government levels.
Tourism was responsible for supporting approximately one in seven private sector jobs in Florida last year. The industry accounted for 9.5% of all jobs in the state, providing employment for 2.1 million people and generating $76.4 billion in wages and salaries.
Additionally, daily visitor spending averaged $359 million throughout the year, resulting in tax savings estimated at $1,910 per household within Florida.