Florida has reached a new milestone, now ranking as the world’s 15th largest economy, according to an announcement by the Florida Chamber Foundation. The news was shared during the Future of Florida Forum and Florida Chamber Annual Meeting in Orlando, where leaders discussed progress made since launching the Florida 2030 Blueprint.
“When we launched the Florida 2030 Blueprint, Florida ranked 18th in the world,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation. “Today, we are 15th and gaining ground on Australia. This is the direct result of years of laser focus on free enterprise, principled leadership, smart policy decisions, and business and community leaders working together to secure Florida’s future. Florida’s rise is not just a state story. It is a global story.”
The Foundation’s overview of its upcoming Halftime Report highlights advances in several economic areas. Since implementing the Blueprint strategy, Florida has added high-wage jobs and expanded its workforce to over 10 million people—more than the population of 40 U.S. states. The state has also reduced childhood poverty through initiatives like the Florida Prosperity Initiative.
Other achievements cited include being ranked first nationally for new business start-ups, manufacturing job growth, net income migration, new business migrations, Black-owned businesses, higher education system quality, and overall economy. The state is also recognized as a top destination for Hispanic- and women-owned businesses and ranks among states with lowest debt per capita and significant infrastructure investment.
“Florida’s economic success is no accident,” said Sheridan Morby, Senior Research Economist at the Florida Chamber Foundation. “It is the result of businesses, government, and communities working toward a shared vision. The data show clear progress toward making Florida a top 10 global economy by 2030.”
Business leaders are invited to attend the virtual 2026 Florida Economic Outlook & Jobs Solution Summit on January 29, 2026. The event will provide insights from economists and industry experts to help inform strategic planning amid evolving trends.
The Foundation noted that recent GDP figures initially suggested that Florida had surpassed South Korea; however, South Korea’s latest data have yet to be updated. The research team will continue monitoring these international rankings.
The Florida Chamber Foundation describes itself as a statewide organization focused on long-term strategies for competitiveness and prosperity in partnership with public- and private-sector leaders.
