The West Palm Beach, Florida skyline reflected over a body of water
January 5, 2026

FloridaCommerce, CareerSource Florida, VISIT FLORIDA and Florida Housing Finance Corporation Highlight Major 2025 Accomplishments

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Today, FloridaCommerce and its partner organizations including CareerSource Florida, VISIT FLORIDA and Florida Housing Finance Corporation highlight major milestones accomplished in 2025 as they lead the state’s economic mission under Governor Ron DeSantis.

Florida has been ranked by CNBC as the top economy in the nation for the third year in a row, with an annual GDP approaching $1.8 trillion—a 65% increase since 2019— Florida would be the 15th largest economy in the world if it were a standalone country. Ranking #1 in new business formations since 2019, Florida boasts more than 4 million new businesses formed in that time with nearly 590,000 formed in 2025 alone. In addition to our #1 ranking in Higher Education for ten consecutive years, Florida also earned the #1 ranking for attracting and developing a skilled workforce by Lightcast for the third consecutive year. Governor DeSantis set an ambitious goal of making our state number one in workforce education by 2030, and Florida has delivered its homework early, achieving this ranking for the last three years—building a workforce ready for high-demand, high-wage careers.

“In 2025, Florida strengthened its position as the most business-friendly state in the nation—supporting small and emerging businesses, accelerating growth in key industries, expanding workforce training and reinforcing our role as an international hub for investment and innovation,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly . “This year, FloridaCommerce delivered strategic advancements in economic and workforce development that directly supports the Governor’s vision, driving meaningful, measurable results—creating an environment where job creators and job seekers can thrive in the Free State of Florida.”

“CareerSource Florida is committed to advancing workforce priorities through strategic investment and forward-focused policies,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrienne Johnston. “By aligning resources with statewide initiatives and enhancing services across our network, we’re ensuring that job seekers and businesses have the tools and support they need to thrive. We are grateful for the leadership of Governor DeSantis and our dedicated board of directors, whose vision and guidance make these accomplishments possible.”

“Florida tourism stands out in a competitive global market this year thanks to data-driven investments, strong partnerships, and VISIT FLORIDA’s efforts to maintain our visitor share,” said Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “Having brought record-breaking economic impact to the state as an industry, we remain committed to keeping the industry thriving in the year ahead for the benefit of Florida’s residents.”

FloridaCommerce 2025 Highlights

In 2025, FloridaCommerce championed Governor DeSantis’ economic development vision through strategic partnership with state and local economic development organizations, active outreach to Florida’s business community, and collaboration with other state agencies and private sector partners such as CareerSource Florida, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Council of 100, the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Florida Department of Education (DOE), the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT), Florida Development Finance Corporation, Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC), Florida Opportunity Fund, the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, Florida Sports Foundation, REACH Office, the State University System Board of Governors (BOG), SelectFlorida, Space Florida and VISIT FLORIDA. FloridaCommerce also continued its strong partnerships with Florida’s 28 state colleges, 48 technical colleges and 12 state universities; Florida’s three Rural Areas of Opportunity; Florida’s three seaports, 16 deepwater seaports and 21 commercial airports; Florida’s 21 major military bases; and local and regional economic development councils, boards and community action agencies across the state.

Economic Development

Governor DeSantis Welcomed SpaceX’s Starship Operations to Florida

Governor DeSantis and Williams International Announced One Billion Dollar Investment in Okaloosa County

Governor DeSantis Announced 300 New Jobs in Wakulla County

Full Repeal of the Business Rent Tax

  • Governor DeSantis signed the 2025-2026 Budget which solidified Florida’s position as one of the strongest and most resilient financial markets in the nation—fully repealing the business rent tax and delivering $1.7 billion in savings for entrepreneurs, especially in rural communities where margins are tighter.

State Small Business Credit Initiative

Supporting Florida’s Military Communities

  • This year, FloridaCommerce awarded more than $3.7 million to support and strengthen Florida’s military base communities, providing critical support to Florida’s service members, veterans and military families.

Florida Job Growth Grant Fund

  • This year, Governor Ron DeSantis has awarded more than $40 million to 13 communities and education institutions for economic development through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund . These investments are projected to create more than 19,000 direct and indirect jobs and training opportunities for Floridians over the next 10 years.

Record Capital Investment

  • In 2025, FloridaCommerce worked with local economic development organizations, public-private partners such as SelectFlorida and Space Florida, and other state agencies to establish 58 new economic development projects. These projects created 8,837 new jobs with an average annual wage of $100,412 and generated more than $5.5 billion in capital investment—marking at record year, 3.4 times higher than the previous fiscal year and the highest in state history.

Community Development

Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program

  • In 2025, FloridaCommerce awarded more than $47 million to 32 small and rural communities through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program. These awards support critical infrastructure improvements including enhancing and expanding public parks, replacing water and sewer lines, supporting critical improvements at wastewater treatment plants and the rehabilitation of at least 188 homes for low-and moderate-income families.

Community Planning Technical Assistance Program and Competitive Florida Partnership Program

Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program

This year, Governor DeSantis announced that Florida has awarded a milestone of more than 9,400 recruitment bonuses to new law enforcement officers through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program , since program inception in 2022—officers have been recruited from 49 other states and two territories, each receiving a $5,000 bonus after taxes with the program distributing more than $63 million to date.

Workforce Development

On-the-Job Training for Opportunity Zones

  • In 2025, Florida became the first state in the nation to obtain up to 100% wage reimbursement for On-the-Job Training (OJT) for Opportunity Zones, a major step in workforce innovation and further enhancing the state’s ability to maximize workforce investments in designated low-income areas. Under this expansion, Florida joins eight other states and Puerto Rico in receiving federal approval for up to 90% wage reimbursement statewide for employers participating in the OJT program.

Rural Initiatives

Rural Infrastructure Fund

Office of Broadband

  • In 2025, FloridaCommerce’s Office of Broadband increased internet access across the state to 95.1% connectivity, up from 56.3% in 2018—a step closer to the overall goal of getting to 100% connectivity by 2030.
  • To reach the goal of 100% connectivity, since 2020, Florida has awarded $612 million in Broadband Infrastructure grants, of that, 85% of grants and 65% of total funding has gone directly to small and rural communities.

Rural Community Investment Program

  • In November, FloridaCommerce launched the Rural Community Investment Program (RCIP) —a new initiative aimed at strengthening small businesses in rural communities by providing a 25% tax credit to rural investment companies for their investments in rural businesses. By providing $35 million in tax credits over the next five years, the program will unlock $140 million in new rural community investments.

International Commerce

SelectFlorida Highlights

  • In Fiscal Year 2024-2025, SelectFlorida generated a record $1.9 billion in export sales—a $500 million increase from the previous fiscal year—and assisted nearly 1,900 Florida-based small and emerging businesses.
  • SelectFlorida’s efforts to connect small and emerging businesses to international markets were further strengthened by awarding more than $411,000 in trade program grants to 98 small and emerging Florida businesses.
  • SelectFlorida also established 35 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects, resulting in more than $301 million in capital investment and the creation of more than 2,500 new jobs.

Florida Leadership Missions 

  • In 2025, SelectFlorida led Leadership Missions to the UAE, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Taiwan, Japan, and Bermuda. Through business seminars, networking events, roundtables, technical visits, and a substantial number of business meetings and leadership engagements, these missions advanced Florida’s International Trade & Business Development Initiatives and expanded the state’s international economic footprint.

Paris Air Show 2025

  • In 2025, Florida signed new international agreements with Taiwan, the Lombardy region in Italy, and the German state of Baden-Württemberg; signed collaborative agreements with CrossU in Japan, Assoporti and Assologistica in Italy; and executed several working group meetings—including the UK-Florida working group, which lead to the launch of the JAX Hub innovation platform, the advancement of Florida’s health innovation priorities and strengthened Florida-UK FinTech collaboration. These working group meetings advance the action plan of previously signed international agreements, driving Florida’s commercial diplomacy and supporting the state’s economic development ecosystem.

Long-Term Disaster Recovery

2023 and 2024 Storms Allocation

Hurricane Ian

  • The Rebuild Florida Hurricane Ian Housing Repair and Replacement Program launched with $542 million in funds available to help vulnerable Floridians recover from Hurricane Ian. Intake centers across six counties opened their doors to answer questions and guide residents through the application process. As of November 14, 2025, 1,486 cases are still in progress, and 1,041 residents have been approved for assistance. Of those, 976 projects have been awarded and assigned to general contractors and 401 projects have been fully repaired or rebuilt so far.

Calhoun-Liberty Hospital

  • Working alongside many state partners, we invested a total of $46.7 million to reopen Calhoun-Liberty Hospital’s, a designated Critical Access Hospital, doors and provide lifesaving care for the people of Calhoun and Liberty counties. Construction on the Calhoun-Liberty Hospital began December 19, 2023, and just under two years later, it officially opened to the public on August 17, 2025, marking a major step forward in improving healthcare access in Blountstown and all surrounding areas.

Emergency Bridge Loans

  • In response to Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton, as well as severe weather, tornadoes and flooding in 2024, FloridaCommerce funded more than $97 million in emergency bridge loans to 2,500 storm-impacted small businesses through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program .

Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan

This year, FloridaCommerce awarded $19.7 million in Local Government Emergency Bridge Loans to three local governments in areas declared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to be impacted by a disaster. The areas receiving awards were:\

  • The City of St. Pete Beach ($15,998,498) – to finance operating costs incurred by the city in connection with hurricanes Helene and Milton.
  • Dixie County Board of County Commissioners ($1,250,000) – to assist with county operation expenses as a result of several hurricanes, including Hurricanes Helene and Debby.
  • Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners ($1,400,000) – to support with county operations impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

Reverse Osmosis Facility in the Florida Key

CareerSource Florida 2025 Highlights

By the numbers:

  • Assisted more than 67,000 Floridians secure employment, including nearly 4,400 military veterans.
  • Transitioned more than 30,000 individuals from public assistance.
  • Provided more than 1.1 million services to Florida job seekers and businesses.
  • Helped more than 81,000 businesses find and retain talent.
  • Increased average annual wage by more than $15,500 for participants.
  • Awarded $2.8 million in Incumbent Worker Training grants to 54 businesses, projected to train more than 2,800 workers.
  • Awarded $7.4 million in Quick Response Training grants to 27 businesses, projected to train more than 2,200 new employees.

Advanced Workforce System Through Strategic Policies

In 2025, the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors approved several key policies to enhance alignment, improve service delivery, and ensure Florida’s workforce system remains responsive to evolving economic needs. These policies provide clear guidance for local workforce development boards and reinforce Florida’s commitment to innovation and accountability.

Key policies include:

  • Work-Based Training and Learning Opportunities: Establishes guidelines for implementing and sustaining work-based training programs, ensuring compliance with WIOA and supporting hands-on learning that leads to employment.
  • Performance Requirements for Local Workforce Development Boards: Defines performance standards and corrective actions to drive accountability and continuous improvement across the network.
  • Adult and Dislocated Worker Program Framework and Design: Provides requirements for program design to ensure high-quality services for adults and dislocated workers seeking reemployment.
  • Emergency Response and Disaster Recovery: Outlines roles and responsibilities before, during, and after disasters, including cybersecurity strategies and use of disaster-related dislocated worker grants.
  • Statewide Standardization of Tools and Services: Promotes efficiency and alignment by reducing duplication and ensuring consistent tools and services across Florida’s workforce system.

Together, these policies reinforce Florida’s commitment to a future-focused workforce system that is responsive to employers, job seekers, and the state’s evolving economic priorities.

Additionally, CareerSource Florida streamlined this process by eliminating outdated and redundant policies, consolidating related policies, and hosting all policies in a single online location. This centralized approach ensures stakeholders have one point of access, improves transparency, and strengthens consistency across the statewide network.

Strengthened Regional Workforce Collaboration with Development of Planning Areas

In 2025, CareerSource Florida advanced a major statewide initiative to strengthen collaboration and alignment across Florida’s workforce system by establishing seven Regional Planning Areas. These planning areas group local workforce development boards into regions based on shared labor markets and economic priorities, creating a framework for strategic coordination, resource sharing, and employer engagement.
Regional Planning Areas are designed to enhance alignment of workforce strategies across counties with similar economic drivers; accelerate employer engagement by developing region-specific talent pipelines informed by local industry needs; and streamline partnerships among education, economic development, and workforce entities to deliver consistent, high-quality services statewide.

Key accomplishments in 2025 included:

  • Regional Coordination: Facilitated structured collaboration within each planning area to align assets, strategies, and labor market priorities.
  • Employer-Led Alignment: Partnered with leading employers to inform training pipelines and develop region-specific talent strategies.
  • Operational Transparency: Implemented a statewide framework to track progress, measure impact, and support consistent execution while allowing flexibility for local innovation.

This effort marks a significant step toward creating a more responsive, outcomes-driven workforce system that meets Florida’s evolving economic needs.

Expanded Access to High-Quality Apprenticeships Through Apprentice Florida

Apprentice Florida, a joint initiative of CareerSource Florida, FloridaCommerce, and the Florida Department of Education, continued to drive workforce innovation in 2025 by expanding access to registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship opportunities statewide. These programs equip Floridians with in-demand skills for rewarding careers in high-growth industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology.

Florida saw strong momentum in apprenticeship participation during fiscal year 2025:

  • Active apprenticeships grew 10.41% year-over-year, reaching 17,920 active apprentices earning an average wage of $19.78 per hour.
  • New apprenticeships increased by 5.31%, totaling 8,412 individuals with an average starting wage of $20.80 per hour.
  • Program completions surged 17.49%, with 2,606 completers earning an average wage of $28.37 per hour.

This growth reflects the power of strategic collaboration among state agencies and the CareerSource Florida network of Apprenticeship Navigators, who work closely with businesses to integrate apprenticeship programs into talent development strategies. Together, these efforts demonstrate the transformative impact of work-based learning on Florida’s talent pipeline.

Launched New Credential Inventory Database to Streamline Workforce Credentials

In April 2025, CareerSource Florida introduced a statewide credential inventory database and Master Credentials List (MCL) application system, creating a single, centralized repository for credential data and evaluation. This innovation enhances transparency, improves communication, and supports Florida’s commitment to aligning education and training programs with industry needs.

Key highlights:

  • The new platform organizes credential applications, facilitates data sharing, and provides one comprehensive source for Florida’s growing body of workforce credentials.
  • CareerSource Florida conducted applicant training sessions covering the application process, quality framework, and frequently asked questions to ensure smooth implementation.
  • These efforts resulted in the submission of 33 applications ahead of the initial June 30 deadline, demonstrating strong engagement from education and industry partners.

Bridged Gaps Between Employment Opportunities for Floridians Through Hope Florida

Spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis, Hope Florida is a transformative initiative designed to connect Floridians with coordinated care and career pathways that lead to long-term economic self-sufficiency. Through a network of Hope Navigators embedded in every CareerSource Florida local workforce development board, participants — many facing significant barriers such as disability, foster care transition, or government assistance — receive personalized guidance, job readiness resources, and wraparound support.

Florida now has 600 Hope Employer establishments across 55 of 67 counties. CareerSource Florida has provided nearly 70,000 services to 5,730 Hope Florida job seekers.

Elevated Workforce Visibility Through Inaugural Workforce Day at the Capitol

CareerSource Florida co-hosted the first-ever Workforce Day at the Capitol, a landmark event designed to elevate the visibility of Florida’s workforce system and engage state leaders in meaningful conversations about talent development and economic opportunity.

This event served as a platform to:

  • Showcase regional innovation and highlight success stories from across the CareerSource Florida network.
  • Reinforce the value of strategic partnerships in driving long-term prosperity for job seekers and businesses.
  • Strengthen collaboration with policymakers, ensuring workforce priorities remain central to Florida’s economic growth strategy.
  • By bringing together workforce professionals, business leaders, and elected officials, Workforce Day at the Capitol underscored the critical role of Florida’s workforce system in shaping a competitive, future-ready economy.

VISIT FLORIDA 2025 Highlights

$133.6 Billion in Economic Impact

  • According to the most recent year’s data, tourism generated $133.6 billion in economic impact, contributed 1 in 8 of every private sector job in Florida, and produced nearly $2,000 in tax savings for each of Florida’s 9.1+ million households, reinforcing the industry’s role as a cornerstone of the state’s economy.

Breaking Visitation Records

  • Florida also continued to break its own visitation records. The state welcomed the highest number of visitors in its history in 2024, and 2025 has seen visitation numbers meet or exceed last year’s record-breaking performance. In the second quarter of 2025 alone, Florida hosted a record-breaking 34.4 million visitors, marking the strongest second quarter on record and reflecting Florida’s enduring appeal.

Live More Floridays

  •  In 2025, VISIT FLORIDA unveiled its new brand campaign, “Live More Floridays,” designed to showcase the depth and variety of experiences that can only be found in Florida. The refreshed brand celebrates everything Florida–from iconic destinations to unexpected adventures, inviting travelers to experience Florida in new ways.

Huddle UK

  • VISIT FLORIDA also advanced innovation in its most important global markets. The launch of the Florida-focused ‘Huddle UK’ tradeshow expanded the state’s presence in the international travel trade space, bringing together key international market professionals to become experts on Florida, and opening new opportunities for Florida destinations and tourism partners.

High Return on Investment

  • Behind the scenes, VISIT FLORIDA continued to drive more data into how success is measured and decisions are made. New data partnerships and enhanced tracking tools are improving the efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness of our marketing investments, ensuring that resources are deployed strategically and results are stronger. In 2024, Florida’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) determined that VISIT FLORIDA delivered a $3.30 return on investment for every $1 invested and we are committed to maintaining the high standard of return.

Amplifying Florida’s Message

  • Throughout the year, VISIT FLORIDA’s Promotions, Travel Trade, and Public Relations teams delivered exceptional returns, amplifying Florida’s message across domestic and international markets and keeping the state top-of-mind for travelers worldwide. VISIT FLORIDA’s Promotions team even secured a week-long national spotlight on Wheel of Fortune, bringing Florida’s destinations and experiences into millions of homes across the country.

Florida Housing Finance Corporation 2025 Highlights

2025 Legislative Session

  • For the seventh consecutive year, Governor Ron DeSantis recommended full funding for the state’s affordable housing trust funds. Florida Housing received a total appropriation of $435 million. This funding ensures Florida families have access to safe, quality, affordable housing. Florida Housing is proud of its lasting success and looks forward to delivering continued proven results to our state.

Florida Housing’s state appropriation for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year

  • $71.2 million for Affordable Housing programs, predominantly the State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) program, to provide low interest loans to developers building workforce housing.
  • $150 million for the Live Local SAIL program, which is dedicated to financing innovative approaches to build affordable rental units for Florida’s workforce and military communities.
  • $163.8 million for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program to incentivize local governments to partner with developers who are preserving or producing affordable housing.
  • $50 million for the Florida Hometown Heroes (HTH) Housing program to provide downpayment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers in fields such as law enforcement, first responders, healthcare, education, childcare, and active-duty military and veterans.

Achievements for Policy and Special Programs

  • $191.8 million expended through SHIP from the fiscal year 2022-2023 allocation to assist more than 5,800 Florida families over the program’s three-year expenditure cycle. These funds incentivize local governments to provide downpayment assistance, emergency repairs, and to build partnerships with developers who are preserving or producing affordable housing.
  • 273 multifamily properties certified for the Multifamily Middle Market Tax Exemption process affecting over 35,000 affordable rental units. This tax exemption process allows Florida Housing to expand affordable housing opportunities without using Florida Housing dollars.
  • 12 Predevelopment Loans approved for non-profit developers that will create more than 400 new units through Florida Housing’s Predevelopment Loan Program.

Homeownership Accomplishments

  • Assisted 5,628 Florida families in purchasing their first home through the Homebuyer Loan Program by leveraging $1.5 billion through first mortgage assistance and providing more than $66 million in total downpayment and closing cost assistance.
  • Launched the 2025 Florida Hometown Heroes program with an additional $50 million on August 18th.
  • Florida Hometown Heroes program has provided 1,671 homebuyers with $27 million in downpayment and closing cost assistance, leveraging more than $535 million in first mortgage volume.

Successes for Multifamily / Rental Housing Development

  • The Live Local Program Tax Credit opened on October 1, 2023, giving businesses the opportunity to contribute to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to benefit the SAIL Program. In return, these businesses receive dollar-for-dollar tax credit reduction. The Live Local Program has received $99,575,000 in 2023 contributions, and in 2024 received $18,136,667 in contributions with an additional 50,000 in reservations. This program has received $2,400,000 in contributions with an additional $28,250,000 in reservations for the 2025 tax year.
  • 49 developments with various Florida Housing loan funding resources closed on their construction financing. These developments will deliver a total of 7,048 units. Total Florida Housing loan funding in these transactions equated to more than $1.1 billion comprised of:
    • $809,310,000 Corporation-issued Multifamily Mortgage Revenue Bonds (MMRB)
    • $227,995,792 from SAIL
    • $32,437,800 from the Rental Recovery Loan Program (RRLP)
    • $4,600,00 in Grants
    • $28,889,400 from the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF)
  • Preliminary funding awarded to 51 developments by the Florida Housing Board of Directors through the following loans, bonds, grants, and housing credit allocations:
    • $12,665,630 in 9% Housing Credits
    • Issued 4 additional Requests for Applications (RFAs) offering $72,332,000 in 9% Housing Credits to be awarded at the January 30, 2026, Board Meeting, adding an additional estimated 1,700 – 1,900 units.
    • $115,772,804 in SAIL funding
    • $235,087,798 in Live Local SAIL funding
    • $47,000,000 in Live Local Tax Credit program funding
    • $26,550,000 in HOME funding
    • $2,800,000 in Grant funding
    • $6,061,400 in HOME-ARP funding
    • $878,820,000 in MMRB and an estimated $97,804,177 in 4% Housing Credits
  • Awarded 37 developments totaling 6,879 units with the following Florida Housing administered bonds and/or allocations:
    • $365,165,000 in MMRB funding
    • An estimated $105,688,654 in non-competitive 4% Housing Credits