Florida breaks its own tourism record for the sixth consecutive year, solidifying its position as the number one vacation destination for Americans in 2024
Tallahassee, Florida – Florida has once again solidified its status as the top travel destination in the United States, breaking its own tourism record for the sixth consecutive time. Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced that in 2024, Florida captured a historic 15.5% share of the domestic vacation market, marking an almost one-point increase over the previous year. This achievement underscores the state’s continued dominance in the tourism sector, a trend that has been steadily growing since 2019.
“Florida is the world’s favorite place to visit,” Governor DeSantis proudly stated. “This record tourism is a result of policies that prioritize freedom, public safety, and common sense.” The impressive increase in visitors to the Sunshine State is a testament to Florida’s unique combination of attractions, favorable policies, and natural beauty, which continue to draw millions of travelers from across the country and beyond.
Florida’s tourism performance isn’t just remarkable on the national stage. The state is also experiencing strong international demand, with gains in key overseas markets. In the first two months of 2025 alone, Florida saw a 0.5% increase in Canadian air visitation, outperforming the national trend, which showed a 2.3% decline in Canadian travel to the U.S. Additionally, overseas visitation grew by 6.5%, with notable increases from countries such as the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Argentina.
Governor DeSantis also highlighted Florida’s global appeal when he announced that the state welcomed a record-breaking 142.9 million visitors in 2024. This figure marks a 1.6% increase over the previous year, which already held the record for the highest annual visitation in Florida’s history. The fourth quarter of 2024 was particularly strong, drawing 33.1 million visitors—the highest number ever recorded for a Q4 period. Domestic travelers accounted for the bulk of this surge, with 29.9 million visiting, while international tourists made up 2.5 million of the total, and Canadian visitors added 742,000 to the mix.
This influx of visitors demonstrates the growing strength of Florida’s tourism sector, which remains a critical pillar of the state’s economy. The state’s beaches, theme parks, cultural landmarks, and vibrant cities continue to captivate travelers, while its policies that emphasize safety, freedom, and accessibility further enhance its attractiveness.
Florida’s tourism success is not just a short-term phenomenon. The consistent record-breaking numbers reflect a long-term strategy that has focused on making the state an appealing destination for people of all ages and interests. Whether it’s families visiting world-famous theme parks, international tourists exploring Florida’s natural wonders, or business travelers attending conventions, the state offers something for everyone.
The tourism industry in Florida provides tens of thousands of jobs and generates billions in revenue, making it a key economic driver. The surge in visitors also contributes to the continued development of infrastructure, ensuring that Florida remains equipped to handle future growth. Governor DeSantis and state officials remain focused on sustaining this growth, with a commitment to maintaining the state’s reputation as a top-tier destination.
With Florida’s tourism industry showing no signs of slowing down, the state is poised for continued success in the years to come. As more travelers choose Florida as their preferred vacation spot, the state’s tourism sector will continue to be a shining example of resilience and growth in the global travel industry.
