Florida scores first place in CNBC's economy rankings for 3rd straight year

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Sunshine State ranks first place in CNBC’s economic rankings for 2025, the third consecutive year, the outlet announced.

“Economic growth and job growth remain solidly in the top ten, state finances are strong, and the state is a leader in new business formations,” CNBC reported. “Florida is a major player in international trade, but it comprises a relatively small percentage of the state’s overall economy.”

The rankings were dubbed as the American states best positioned for a recession.

“And only a small percentage of that international trade is with China, leaving the state in a better position than many when it comes to tariffs,” the outlet wrote. “Florida depends on the federal government for about 34% of its budget — and roughly two-thirds of its $34 billion Medicaid budget. That has Floridians keeping a wary eye on Washington.”

The state has a GDP of $1.34 trillion in 2024, an A+ economy score, 1.4% job growth, an AAA credit rating from Moody’s, and $185 billion, or $13.8% of GDP, in international goods trade.

Ranked second was Texas, third was North Carolina, fourth was Delaware, and fifth was New York.

“Florida is #1 … again,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday morning.

DeSantis touted that the state has the lowest amount of state workers per capita, lowest debt per capita, no income tax, second-lowest spending per capita, the top public higher education system, the lowest in-state tuition, universal school choice and is number one for new business formations.