Florida’s tourism industry delivered a historic performance in 2024, generating a record-breaking $133.6 billion in economic impact, according to the newly released Economic Impact of Tourism study by Visit Florida, the state’s official tourism marketing agency.

The report confirms that visitor spending reached $134.9 billion, marking a 3% increase compared to 2023, and reinforcing tourism’s role as a cornerstone of Florida’s economy. Out-of-state travelers were the main drivers of this growth, with domestic visitors accounting for $120.1 billion in spending and international travelers contributing $14.8 billion.

One of the study’s most notable findings is the strong local retention of tourism dollars. For every dollar spent by a visitor, 99 cents remained in Florida’s economy, with 59 cents directly supporting worker salaries—an improvement over 2023 figures.

Tourism also continued to play a vital role in employment and public finances. In 2024, the sector supported 1.8 million jobs statewide, reflecting a 1.8% increase year over year, and generated $79.9 billion in wages, including $44 billion in direct wages. Overall, tourism-related activity produced $33.6 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues, a 3.3% increase from the previous year.

According to the report, these tax contributions translated into meaningful savings for residents. Florida’s more than 9 million households saved nearly $2,000 annually in taxes, and without tourism, households would need to pay an additional $1,730 per year in state and local taxes to maintain current revenue levels.

The study also highlighted Florida’s continued popularity as a global travel destination, with 143 million visitors recorded in 2024, setting a new all-time record.

“The 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.”

Echoing this sentiment, Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of Visit Florida, emphasized the broader impact of tourism marketing. “Tourism drives Florida’s economy. This data demonstrates the value of Florida’s investment in tourism and tourism promotion. Florida’s 9.1 million households are saving nearly $2,000 a year thanks to the tax revenues generated by tourism,” he stated, adding that Visit Florida will continue to responsibly manage this investment for the benefit of residents.

With record visitation, rising spending and sustained job growth, the 2024 results confirm tourism’s central role in Florida’s economic resilience and long-term prosperity.