News

Florida Moves Up in Manufacturing Employment – Now Ranked #10!

Florida has officially surpassed Georgia to become #10 in the nation for manufacturing employment, marking another step forward toward our Florida 2030 Blueprint goal of being a Top 5 state for manufacturing jobs by 2030. Currently, Florida has: 421,400 manufacturing jobs in Florida – an increase of 3,100 over the last year (+0.7%). 5,600 more manufacturing jobs than Georgia (#11). 29,700 jobs away from North Carolina (#9). 142,900 jobs away from Illinois (#5). This momentum is a testament to Florida’s thriving manufacturing sector…

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New Florida Chamber Foundation Policy Research Report Makes Case for State Median Income to Become the Eligibility Measure for School Readiness

Informed by the Florida Business Alliance for Early Learning Project, the Florida Chamber Foundation’s new School Readiness policy research report makes the case for a shift in the School Readiness program’s eligibility criteria from the Federal Poverty Level to State Median Income to ensure more working families have access to affordable, quality child care. This change aims to bolster Florida’s workforce and strengthen Florida’s economy in pursuit of the following Florida 2030 Blueprint goals: Ensuring…

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New Florida Chamber Foundation Research Report Highlights K-12 Math Proficiency Gaps and Solutions

The Florida Chamber Foundation has released a new research report, Math Matters: Bridging Gaps for Florida’s Future Workforce, calling attention to the vital role math proficiency plays in shaping Florida’s future workforce. Based on the Florida 2030 Blueprint goals aimed at strengthening Florida’s talent supply and education, the report highlights the state’s current challenges and offers recommendations to improve math outcomes for K-12 students in Florida. The math report’s findings reveal that over 128,600 Florida…

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Florida’s Economy is Taking Shape in 2025. Here’s How.

Florida’s economy continues to evolve and grow. For leaders to strategize and maximize their opportunity in Florida’s economy, it means having the right data at your fingertips. As we prepare for the release of Florida’s first-of-2025 labor market data at the end of the month, where we will provide our next Florida By The Numbers video update, the Florida Chamber Foundation research team is sharing the following trending insights into Florida’s economic landscape. New metrics reflecting…

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Florida Chamber of Commerce Endorses Brian Hodgers in House District 32 Race

TALLAHASSEE, FL (March 6, 2025) – The Florida Chamber of Commerce continues to unite Florida’s business community to help make Florida more competitive and today endorsed Brian Hodgers in the House District 32 race to fill the seat being vacated by Representative Debbie Mayfield as she runs in the Senate District 19 special election. Hodgers underwent a thorough vetting by the business community as part of the Florida Chamber Political Institute’s Candidate Interview process. “Florida created…

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Florida Chamber of Commerce Endorses Nathan Boyles in House District 3 Race 

The Florida Chamber of Commerce continues to unite Florida’s business community to help make Florida more competitive and today endorsed Nathan Boyles in the House District 3 race to fill the seat vacated by former Representative Joel Rudman resulting from his resignation to run in the Republican primary for Congress in the 1st Congressional District. Boyles underwent a thorough vetting by the business community as part of the Florida Chamber Political Institute’s Candidate Interview process.…

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Florida Chamber of Commerce Endorses Debbie Mayfield in Senate District 19 Race

The Florida Chamber of Commerce continues to unite Florida’s business community to help make Florida more competitive and today endorsed Representative Debbie Mayfield in the Senate District 19 race to fill the seat vacated by Senator Randy Fine resulting from his resignation to run for Congress. As a businesswoman and legislator, Representative Mayfield has been a stalwart defender of free enterprise in Florida, fighting back against job-killing regulations. Her proven track record of standing up…

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Florida’s Rural Renaissance: Doubling Florida’s GDP in our 31 Rural Counties Requires Connectivity and Investment

Florida’s 31 rural counties are poised for unprecedented economic growth, and strategic investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture technology, broadband, and workforce development are essential to unlocking their full potential. The Florida Chamber Foundation has released a research briefing that highlights the significant progress rural counties have made and outlines key strategies to further accelerate their economic impact. Florida’s 31 rural counties currently contribute just 2.92% to the state’s $1.6 trillion —  and growing — economy.…

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Florida Chamber Foundation’s Latest Analysis Shows Florida Leads the Nation for Business Relocations, Generating Four Times the Business Relocations in Texas

Tallahassee, FL (February 28, 2025) — The Florida Chamber Foundation has released a research brief analyzing firm migration to Florida annually. Our research team’s analysis reveals that Florida continues to lead the nation as a premier destination for business relocations, welcoming 503 net new businesses over the past year. This success emphasizes Florida’s remarkable growth as a top business hub, reinforcing Florida’s reputation as the best place in the nation to start and grow a…

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Florida Chamber Launches “Coolest Thing Made in Florida” to Celebrate Florida’s Manufacturing Industry and to Highlight What’s Made in Florida

The Florida Chamber of Commerce is shining a light on innovation with the launch of the Coolest Thing Made in Florida, a statewide competition designed to spotlight and celebrate the incredible products manufactured in the Sunshine State. As a powerhouse of innovation and economic strength, Florida is on a mission to become a top 5 state for manufacturing by 2030. This initiative highlights the world-class companies and skilled workforce driving Florida’s economy forward – creating…

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New Florida Chamber Statewide Poll Shows Governor Ron DeSantis & President Donald Trump with Strong Job Approval Numbers Among Floridians

As we start 2025 as well as a new presidential administration in Washington, D.C., the most recent Florida Chamber statewide poll finds both Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump with high job approval numbers. While 56% of Florida voters approve of the job Governor DeSantis is doing, President Trump enjoys support from 51% of Florida voters who approve of the job he is doing since being elected President, The Florida Chamber’s new poll also finds Floridians…

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Florida Chamber of Commerce Unveils 2025 Florida Jobs and Competitiveness Agenda, Charting the Path for Continued Economic Growth

Tallahassee, Fl (February 10, 2025) — Today, the Florida Chamber of Commerce released its annual Florida Jobs and Competitiveness , Agenda, Where We Stand 2025, outlining legislative priorities designed to continue Florida’s economic growth and maintain its position as an international leader in business competitiveness and opportunity. Released during the 2025 Florida Chamber Legislative Fly-In, the agenda reflects input from local businesses across the state and underscores the Chamber’s commitment to securing Florida’s future. “Florida…

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Governor DeSantis Releases 2025-2026 State Budget. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Late last Sunday, Governor Ron DeSantis released the required recommended budget for Florida’s 2025-2026 fiscal year, due 30 days in advance of the start of the legislative session, beginning March 4. The Governor’s “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget” recommends $115.6 billion in spending, more than $3 billion less than our current state budget. To its name, the proposed budget also includes $14.6 billion in reserves and the reduction of 741 positions. Other highlights include: A…

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Florida Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Nova Southeastern University’s Dr. Harry Moon to its Statewide Board of Directors

TALLAHASSEE, FL (February 6, 2025) – The Florida Chamber of Commerce welcomes Dr. Harry Moon, President & Chief Executive Officer of Nova Southeastern University, as the newest member of the Florida Chamber Board of Directors. His leadership and dedication to higher education and workforce development align with the Chamber’s mission to secure Florida’s future by ensuring a world-class education system and a thriving economy. “A strong education and workforce system is essential to Florida’s economic…

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The Florida Chamber Leadership Cabinet Hosts 2025 Corporate Leadership Workshop in Lake Nona, FL.

The Florida Chamber Leadership Cabinet on Safety, Health and Sustainability hosted the 2025 Corporate Leadership Workshop on Safety & Mental Health in the Workplace at the GuideWell Innovation Center in Lake Nona. This event reinforced the Leadership Cabinet’s mission to make Florida the safest, healthiest, and most sustainable state in America by equipping business leaders with strategies to enhance workplace safety and mental well-being. John Trevathan, Chair of the Florida Chamber Leadership Cabinet and VP…

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