Florida Policy Index

Florida is often recognized for tourism, real estate, agriculture, and financial services. Yet one of the state's most important economic engines receives far less attention than it deserves. Manufacturing contributes approximately $90 billion annually to Florida's economy, supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across the state, and generates roughly 90 percent of Florida's merchandise exports.

Florida's economy has evolved into one of the largest and most dynamic in the world. With a gross state product approaching $1.7 trillion, Florida now ranks among the world's largest economies if measured as an independent nation. Behind much of that growth—international trade, manufacturing, tourism, defense, logistics, energy, and construction—stands an industry that often receives far less public attention than it deserves: maritime.

West Palm Beach is no longer simply benefiting from national financial trends—it is increasingly shaping them.