Florida ranks No. 1 for economic performance

Florida also ranked first 10th for future economic outlook. The rankings were fueled by strong domestic migration, job growth and gains in economic output, while the state’s tax and regulatory environment also helped boost its standing.

The analysis from the American Legislative Exchange Council evaluates states using policy measures such as taxes, spending and labor rules, along with performance indicators like job growth and migration. Florida ranked first in economic performance, a backward-looking measure that tracks factors such as employment gains, domestic migration and gross domestic product growth.

The state also placed 10th for economic outlook, reflecting forward-looking policy conditions tied to taxes, regulation and fiscal stability.

Over the past decade, Florida has seen strong population growth, leading the nation in net domestic migration with more than 2.2 million new residents, along with nearly 25% job growth and significant gains in economic output.

The broader report found that states with lower tax burdens and fewer regulatory constraints tend to rank higher, often attracting new residents and businesses.

Florida is among those states, benefiting from having no personal income tax and policies that researchers say help draw households and employers.