This paper examines Florida's economic and employment landscape, tracing the state's transformation from an agriculture-dominated economy in the early twentieth century to a diversified modern workforce. It surveys the leading industries driving Florida's economy — including agriculture, timber, fishing, mining, manufacturing, and tourism — and identifies the state's major employers. Drawing on labor market statistics from around 2000, the paper highlights Florida's strong job growth relative to the national average and explores trends in high-growth sectors such as business services and information technology. The paper concludes that Florida's historical economic trajectory supports a continued positive outlook for employment and growth.
The labor market throughout the country is constantly changing. It is interesting to examine Florida's economic and employment history, as well as the trends and changes in its job market, to better understand where the state has been and where it is headed.
Florida's economy has greatly expanded and diversified since the early twentieth century, when it was dominated by farming. Agriculture remained important into the early 1990s, but tourism became the leading economic sector, and manufacturing also contributed heavily to the economy. The United States government has been a leading employer, with installations such as the John F. Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral and Eglin Air Force Base near Pensacola.
Miami's location has been particularly beneficial to Florida's broader economic growth, as the city has developed into an international financial center for the Caribbean region. The steady influx of retirees has also provided a positive economic impact on the state.
In the United States today, Florida is the ninth leading producer of agriculture in terms of annual farm income. The state contains approximately 40,000 farms with an average size of 263 acres. More than 75% of Florida's yearly agricultural income derives from the sale of crops, while the remainder is generated by sales of livestock and livestock products.
There are approximately 15 million acres of commercially productive timberland in Florida, which supports a substantial forest-products industry. The annual timber harvest provides not only lumber but also pulpwood for use in paper mills. Florida's location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico enables a robust commercial fishing economy. Mining is also significant to the state's economy: Florida is the leading U.S. producer of phosphate rock, a large portion of which is used to manufacture fertilizer.
There are more than 15,000 manufacturing establishments in Florida, which together are responsible for the employment of more than 540,000 workers. Manufacturing accounts for about 10% of the annual gross state product.
"Manufacturing and tourism as top employers"
"Florida's rankings in population and income"
"Projected job growth and technology sector expansion"
The job market and economy are major concerns for most Americans today. Florida's past and current economic accomplishments provide strong indicators of a continued positive growth trend in both employment and the broader economy.
You’re 57% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 3 sections.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.