Florida has been ranked as the top state for attracting and developing a skilled workforce for the third consecutive year, according to the 2024 Talent Attraction Scorecard released by Lightcast. The annual scorecard evaluates states based on job growth, education attainment, regional competitiveness, and migration data.
Governor Ron DeSantis commented on the achievement: “Florida set an ambitious goal to be number one in workforce education by 2030—and we continue to march towards this achievement,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We’re not just preparing for the future—we’re ahead of schedule, building a workforce ready for high-demand, high-wage careers today.”
The report also highlights that Florida is home to seven of the ten highest-scoring Large Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the nation. These include Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach (#3), Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford (#4), Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin (#5), North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota (#7), Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater (#8), Lakeland-Winter Haven (#9), and Naples-Marco Island (#10). In addition, four of Florida’s Mid-Sized MSAs are among the top ten nationally: Wildwood-The Villages (#1), Panama City-Panama City Beach (#4), Punta Gorda (#5), and Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor (#9).
J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce, said: “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, we’re creating opportunities for both job seekers and job creators through a strong focus on education and workforce training. Florida continues to lead the nation with an economy where workforce and talent development are a priority to our success as we continue to build a future full of opportunity for anyone ready to grow and succeed here in the Free State of Florida.”
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas stated: “For the third year in a row, Florida has earned the top spot for attracting and developing a skilled workforce. This consistent Number 1 ranking is proof that our talent pipeline is delivering results. We’re committed to keeping this momentum going so Floridians are prepared for high-value careers and businesses have the talent they need to thrive.”
Ray Rodrigues, State University System Chancellor, added: “Florida is a national leader because of intentional collaboration between the state’s business leaders and university faculty shaping curriculum. The State University System of Florida’s 2030 Strategic Plan highlights the importance of university presidents working with industry leaders, attracting top-tier faculty, and preparing students for successful careers. Thanks to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature’s recent investment of $200M to recruit and retain world-class faculty, Florida can remain #1. The Lightcast rankings demonstrate our steadfast commitment to emphasizing degrees that propel students forward and align with Florida’s workforce needs.”
Adrienne Johnston, CareerSource Florida President and CEO said: “Florida’s top ranking in talent attraction and development for the third year in a row is a testament to our strategic investments in workforce education and our commitment to preparing Floridians for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Adrienne Johnston, CareerSource Florida President and CEO. “At CareerSource Florida, we’re proud to help lead the charge in building a resilient, future-ready workforce that powers our state’s continued economic success.”
Florida also achieved sixth place nationally in educational attainment—a significant improvement since Governor DeSantis took office—reflecting efforts aimed at aligning educational programs with employer needs.
Since 2019, under Governor DeSantis’ administration there have been record investments into business development initiatives as well as infrastructure improvements across various sectors within state borders; these measures contributed towards establishing robust pipelines capable not only supporting existing industries but attracting new enterprises too—with over 3.8 million new businesses formed since then including more than 360,700 already established during 2025 alone.
In his Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget proposal Governor DeSantis allocated $726.9 million specifically toward supporting ongoing efforts related directly or indirectly toward strengthening local labor markets via expanded access points such as technical schools or apprenticeships targeting emerging fields requiring specialized skills sets needed fill gaps identified throughout broader economic landscape statewide.
Additionally since taking office more than $291 million was distributed through Job Growth Grant Fund projects designed enhance public infrastructure while simultaneously expanding training opportunities resulting creation approximately thirty thousand additional positions alongside forty thousand brand-new employment openings available residents seeking advancement options within rapidly evolving workplace environments.
