DeSantis Announces Record-Shattering $133.6 Billion Tourism Boost for Florida in 2024

 

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr

Florida Tourism Generates $133.6 Billion in 2024, Saving Each Household Nearly $2,000 in Taxes

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — November 25, 2025 — Florida’s tourism sector has delivered another historic year, according to VISIT FLORIDA’s newly released 2024 Economic Impact of Tourism report. The study confirms that travel and tourism produced $133.6 billion in total economic impact, providing significant financial relief to Florida residents and fueling job growth across the state.

Record Spending and Massive Tax Savings

Out-of-state visitors spent $134.9 billion in Florida last year—an increase of 3.0% from 2023. The vast majority of spending came from domestic travelers, who accounted for $120.1 billion, while international visitors contributed $14.8 billion.

For Florida’s more than 9 million households, tourism revenue translated into nearly $2,000 in annual tax savings, thanks to the taxes generated from visitor spending.

Notably, 99 cents of every tourist dollar stayed within Florida, supporting businesses, workers, and state services—up from 97 cents retained in 2023.

Key Economic Contributions

Tourism remained one of Florida’s strongest economic engines in 2024:

• 143 million visitors, setting an all-time record.

• 1.8 million jobs supported statewide—an increase of 1.8% year-over-year.

• $79.9 billion in wages, including $44 billion in direct tourism-supported payroll.

• $33.6 billion in federal, state, and local taxes generated—a 3.3% increase from 2023.

• Tourism accounted for 7.8% of Florida’s total Nominal Gross State Product.

Without tourism revenue, each Florida household would be paying an additional $1,730 in state and local taxes just to maintain current funding levels.

DeSantis Praises the State’s Tourism Strength

“Our tourism industry is critical to Florida’s strong economic position,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida remains the top destination for travelers from across the country and the world because we prioritize freedom and safety. Tourism fuels jobs and keeps Florida’s economy strong.”

VISIT FLORIDA: Investment Is Paying Off

Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, emphasized that strategic investment continues to deliver big returns.

“Tourism drives Florida’s economy. Florida’s 9.1 million households are saving nearly $2,000 a year because of the tax revenues generated by Florida tourism. VISIT FLORIDA will continue to steward this valuable investment for Florida's residents,” Griffin said.

Report Highlights from Rockport Analytics

• Visitor spending reached a record $134.9 billion.

• 7.8% of Florida’s economy is sustained by tourism.

• 59 cents of every visitor dollar went directly to worker salaries.

• Tourism wages grew 4.6% compared to 2023.

Florida continues to lead the nation as a top travel destination, thanks to its business-friendly environment, world-class attractions, and consistent investment in the tourism sector.

READ MORE: DeSantis Announces Major Statewide Crackdown to Protect Dogs and End Abusive Puppy Mills in Florida

---

FAQs: Florida’s 2024 Tourism Economic Impact

1. How much economic impact did tourism generate in Florida in 2024?

Tourism generated $133.6 billion in total economic impact in Florida during 2024, a record-breaking contribution to the state’s economy.

2. How much did visitors spend in Florida last year?

Out-of-state travelers spent $134.9 billion, with domestic visitors contributing $120.1 billion and international visitors contributing $14.8 billion.

3. How many visitors came to Florida in 2024?

Florida welcomed 143 million visitors, the highest number ever recorded.

4. How does tourism benefit Florida households financially?

Tourism-generated tax revenue saved each Florida household nearly $2,000 in 2024. Without tourism, households would pay $1,730 more annually in state and local taxes.

5. How many jobs does the tourism industry support in Florida?

Tourism supported 1.8 million jobs in 2024 and generated $79.9 billion in wages statewide.

6. What percentage of Florida’s economy relies on tourism?

Tourism accounted for 7.8% of Florida’s Nominal Gross State Product in 2024.

7. How much tax revenue did tourism generate?

Travel and tourism activity produced $33.6 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2024.

8. What happens to each dollar visitors spend in Florida?

For every $1 spent by a visitor, 99 cents stayed within Florida’s economy, with 59 cents going toward worker salaries.

9. What did Governor Ron DeSantis say about the tourism numbers?

Governor DeSantis praised the tourism sector, stating that Florida remains a top destination due to prioritizing freedom, safety, and strong economic policies.

10. Who conducted the economic impact study?

The analysis was conducted by Rockport Analytics for VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation.