Florida Shatters Tourism Records with 34.4 Million Visitors This Spring!

Florida Shatters Tourism Records with 34.4 Million Visitors This Spring!

Florida’s tourism numbers have hit an impressive milestone, with 34.4 million visitors flocking to the Sunshine State in just the second quarter of 2025. This significant figure represents a record-breaking period from April to June and showcases Florida’s enduring appeal as a top travel destination. Governor Ron DeSantis celebrated these figures, highlighting that approximately 91.5% of visitors, about 31.5 million, were domestic travelers. The state also welcomed an international crowd, with overseas arrivals jumping by 11.4% to 2.3 million in this quarter alone, according to WPTV.

The influx of visitors is particularly noteworthy when you consider the increased demand at Florida’s airports, which recorded 28.6 million enplanements across 19 commercial hubs during this period. The Punta Gorda and St. Petersburg-Clearwater airports stood out with notable growth rates of 22.5% and 14.0%, respectively. As local business owners look toward the fall season with optimism, they hope that the uptick in tourism will translate into increased revenues and job creation.

A Look at Economic Impact

Tourism isn’t merely a number; it significantly fuels Florida’s economy. In 2023, the tourism industry generated a staggering $131 billion in spending, marking a 5% increase from 2022. Domestic visitors contributed the majority, spending $116.1 billion, while international tourists—led by our neighbors to the north—added $14.9 billion to the mix, as reported by VISIT FLORIDA.

Governor DeSantis indicated that every dollar spent by a visitor effectively keeps 97 cents within the state’s economy. Notably, 58 cents of that dollar supports workers’ salaries and 13 cents goes back in taxes to local and state entities. This economic activity contributes roughly $1,910 in tax savings per household statewide, with tourism accounting for 9.5% of Florida’s jobs—supporting around 2.1 million workers.

Challenges and Regional Disparities

However, not every region is reaping the same rewards from this tourism boom. Some areas have reported a decline in visitors, particularly from Canada, demonstrating that the tourism landscape varies greatly across the state. State Representative Anna Eskamani has pointed out the necessity of looking beyond statewide visitation data to gauge true economic well-being. She raised concerns regarding stagnant wages and rising evictions that might overshadow the benefits of increased tourism.

Moreover, coastal communities recovering from hurricanes are feeling the impact as businesses face revenue drops of up to 30%. In response, VISIT FLORIDA is investing in recovery marketing aimed at storm-affected regions and targeting international markets, including Brazil. Their current campaign, “The New and the Known,” seeks to promote not only Florida’s famed attractions but also the lesser-known gems that await discovery.

Florida’s Attractions Keep Drawing Crowds

Why do so many people continue to choose Florida as their vacation destination? It’s simple. The state is home to breathtaking beaches, iconic theme parks, vibrant cultural events, and stunning natural landscapes. Visitors are motivated by relaxation, family time, and the allure of fun in the sun. Notably, social media plays a significant role in shaping travel plans, with 40% of visitors citing platforms as influencing their choice to come here.

• Top attractions include:
  • Walt Disney World
  • Universal Studios
  • Miami Beaches
  • Kennedy Space Center
  • Everglades National Park

With the best time to visit being from March to May for most regions, and a vibrant fall season on the horizon, there’s clearly no slowing down for Florida’s tourism sector. As we look ahead, the hope is that growth continues and revitalizes local economies across the state, making Florida a destination that has something for everyone.