Florida has officially entered the ranks of the world’s economic giants, with its $1.8 trillion economy now larger than those of Australia and Mexico, according to the Florida Chamber Foundation.
The milestone means Florida’s economy is now larger than those of countries such as Australia and Mexico.
The Florida Chamber Foundation said the state’s economy grew by 6.3 percent over the past year, moving Florida closer to its long-term goal of becoming one of the world’s top 10 largest economies by 2030 through its Florida 2030 Blueprint initiative.
Florida is already looking ahead, with business leaders saying the state could break into the world’s top 10 economies by 2030 if current growth continues.
“Florida’s rise to the world’s 14th largest economy is part of our Florida 2030 Blueprint plan and further proof that free enterprise works,” Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Florida Chamber Foundation, said.
Wilson credited the state’s growth to job creation, business investment, new company formation, and opportunities for residents.
Sheridan Morby, senior director of economic research for the Florida Chamber Foundation, said the ranking reflects years of economic expansion driven by workforce growth and investment.
“Strong labor market expansion and business investment continue to help position Florida among the world’s largest economies,” Morby said.
The Chamber Foundation highlighted Florida’s rankings in several categories, saying the state ranks No. 1 for new business startups, higher education systems, manufacturing job growth, net income migration, new business migration, and black-owned businesses.
Florida also ranks No. 2 for Hispanic- and women-owned businesses.
The organization also pointed to Florida’s fiscal position, saying the state has the lowest state debt per capita in the nation while ranking among the top states for infrastructure investment and talent growth.
The Florida Chamber Foundation also pointed to the state’s fiscal position, saying Florida has the lowest state debt per capita in the nation while ranking among the top states for infrastructure investment and talent growth.
The organization said the state has seen 155,742 fewer children living in poverty since the launch of the Florida 2030 Blueprint, a 10-year strategic plan unveiled in 2018 that aims to strengthen Florida’s economy, workforce, education system, and overall competitiveness while preparing the state for future population growth.
The Blueprint also focuses on expanding economic opportunities by attracting investment, growing the workforce, and supporting industries that drive long-term growth.
Business leaders pointed to continued company relocations, workforce growth, and investment as key factors behind Florida’s rise.
The state has attracted businesses in industries including manufacturing, aerospace, defense, fintech, healthcare, logistics, and commercial space.
Wilson told Fox Business that Florida’s economic strategy has focused on creating an environment designed to attract investment and encourage business growth.
He argued that the state’s policies have helped drive economic gains as companies and residents relocate from other parts of the country.
The Florida Chamber Foundation said it will continue tracking economic trends in its upcoming 2026 Florida Business & Economic Mid-Year Report.
The report is expected to examine areas including economic growth, inflation, manufacturing, workforce development, population changes, and housing affordability.
Florida’s climb to the world’s 14th-largest economy marks another milestone in the state’s rapid economic expansion — but business leaders say the next challenge is reaching the top 10.
