Florida has been ranked as the top state in the United States for attracting and developing a skilled workforce for the third consecutive year, according to the 2024 Talent Attraction Scorecard released by Lightcast. The annual report evaluates states based on job growth, education attainment, regional competitiveness, and migration data.
Governor Ron DeSantis commented on the achievement: “Florida set an ambitious goal to be number one in workforce education by 2030—and we continue to march towards this achievement. 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 secured top positions in several categories within the scorecard: #1 for overall job growth, #1 for competitive effect, #2 for skilled job growth, and #3 for high-earning job growth.
Seven of Florida’s large metropolitan areas were listed among the ten highest-scoring Large Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) nationwide. 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). The state also saw four mid-sized MSAs in the 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, Secretary of Commerce for Florida, said: “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, we’re creating opportunities for both job seekers and job creators through a strong focus on education and workforce training. 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 added: “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. 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 Florida’s State University System, highlighted collaboration 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. 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 & CEO at CareerSource Florida stated: “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. 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—an improvement attributed by officials as stemming from efforts under Governor DeSantis’ administration focused on aligning education programs with employer needs.
The state's approach has included prioritizing investments in business development initiatives alongside infrastructure improvements since 2019—a period during which more than 3.8 million new businesses have formed across the state, including over 360,700 new businesses established so far this year.
In his Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget proposal, Governor DeSantis allocated $726.9 million toward supporting workforce education programs aimed at preparing students for high-demand fields offering higher wages. Since 2019, more than $291 million has been distributed via grants supporting public infrastructure projects as well as training initiatives statewide—creating upwards of 30,000 new educational opportunities related directly or indirectly with employment while generating over 40,000 new jobs.