Florida’s tourism scene isn’t just surviving; it is thriving in a way that truly drives the Sunshine State’s economy. A fresh report from Visit Florida shows that in 2024, this industry poured a massive $133.6 billion into the economy. But here is the part that actually affects people’s bank account: the tax revenue generated by visitors saved the average Florida household about $1,730. That is real money staying in the pockets of over nine million families across the state.
Record-Breaking Visitor Numbers and Spending
The state saw an all-time high of 143 million visitors in 2024. Those travelers spent $134.9 billion, which is a solid 3% bump from the year before. Most of that came from domestic travelers chipping in $120.1 billion, while international guests added another $14.8 billion.
What is really impressive is that 99 cents of every single dollar tourists spent stayed right here in Florida. That is an improvement over last year and stands as one of the best rates in the country for keeping money within the local economy.
By the Numbers: 2024 Tourism Impact
|
Metric |
2024 Figure |
YoY Change |
|
Total Economic Impact |
$133.6 billion |
Record high |
|
Total Visitors |
143 million |
Record high |
|
Out-of-State Visitor Spending |
$134.9 billion |
3% |
|
Contribution to Gross State Product |
7.80% |
– |
|
Jobs Supported |
1.8 million |
1.80% |
|
Total Wages Generated |
$79.9 billion |
4.60% |
|
Direct Wages |
$44 billion |
– |
|
Federal, State & Local Taxes Generated |
$33.6 billion |
3.30% |
|
Average Tax Savings per Household |
$1,730 |
– |
A Powerful Fiscal Buffer for Floridians
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Think of the $33.6 billion in taxes generated by Florida’s tourism as a financial buffer for residents. It was up 3.3% from 2023, and it makes a huge difference. Without those contributions from visitors, the report points out that every household would have to cough up an extra $1,730 a year just to keep public revenue where it is.
With around 9.2 million households in the state, that adds up to nearly $16 billion in collective tax relief, all thanks to folks spending money on hotels, food, attractions, and shopping.
Employment and Wages Keep Climbing
Then there is the job market. Tourism supported 1.8 million jobs across Florida in 2024. To put that in perspective, that is roughly one out of every six non-farm jobs in the state. The sector also pumped $79.9 billion in total wages into the economy, with $44 billion going directly to the people working hard in tourism businesses.
Florida’s Position as America’s Top Travel Destination
Dana Young, the President and CEO of Visit Florida, noted that these results really show off Florida’s unique appeal and the smart marketing efforts that keep drawing people in from around the globe.
With travel trends looking strong for 2025, Florida’s tourism is set to remain a reliable pillar for growth and job creation. For Floridians, the takeaway is pretty simple. Every sunny day, every theme park ticket, and every beachside stay isn’t just about a vacation for someone else. It is helping build prosperity right here at home.