FloridaCommerce has outlined its achievements for 2024, focusing on economic development under Governor Ron DeSantis. The agency emphasized efforts in workforce readiness, site readiness, financial readiness, and housing readiness.
"In 2024 FloridaCommerce continued to make strides and reach milestones that reinforced Florida’s position as the most business-friendly state in the nation," said J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce. "I am grateful for all that we have been able to achieve this year in helping fulfill the Governor’s economic development vision."
Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1420 into law this year. The bill aims to sustain the Florida Defense Support Task Force through the creation of the Florida Defense Support Commission. It also provides clarity for local government plans and aligns governance for timeshare sales.
Florida's unemployment rate remained below the national average with private sector employment increasing by 107,600 jobs over-the-year. In November, FloridaCommerce announced four consecutive years of lower statewide unemployment rates compared to national figures.
Disaster response was another focus area in 2024 due to severe weather events such as hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. More than $88 million in emergency bridge loans were approved for small businesses affected by these disasters.
The Rebuild Florida Mitigation-Critical Facilities Hardening Program awarded funds to Taylor County Board of County Commissioners for infrastructure improvements at Doctor’s Memorial Hospital in Perry.
Efforts toward workforce readiness included more than $69 million awarded through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund aimed at creating over 10,000 jobs over a decade. Additionally, $17 million was invested in law enforcement recruitment bonuses.
Site readiness initiatives were advanced with ConnectedFlorida's broadband projects totaling over $700 million matched by private investments.
In terms of financial readiness, SelectFlorida organized trade missions which resulted in significant bilateral trade revenues exceeding millions of dollars from countries like Italy and Ireland.
Housing assistance programs provided substantial funding across various initiatives including Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program which allocated more than $83 million aiding approximately 72,145 households statewide.