Florida Ranked #1 in U.S. for Attracting and Developing Skilled Workforce

By Lydia Nusbaum

Published Nov. 8, 2022, 10:51 a.m. ET | Updated Nov. 8, 2022

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis at the North Florida School of Special Education.

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Florida is ranked number one in the United States for attracting and developing a skilled workforce, according to a new report.

The governor’s office highlighted Lightcast’s 2022 Talent Attraction Scorecard. The report looked at the growth areas of the most recent five-year period including net migration of counties adding new residents, education attainment, job creation, skilled job creation, competitive effect, and average annual job openings.

“By keeping Florida free and open, we have created a positive economic environment and invested in our state’s workforce and communities,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis. “As a result, Florida is leading the nation in net migration and talent attraction. As other states continue to struggle at the hands of poor leadership, people and businesses are flocking to Florida.”

The DeSantis Administration said the report confirms that its policies to open the economy and focus on education solidified Florida as the best state to live in.

“Each Floridian benefits when our state is providing high-paying jobs in growth fields that will boost our economy for years to come,” said Florida Deputy Secretary of Commerce Laura DiBella. “The proof is everywhere as counties big and small are growing and thriving thanks to the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis who has prioritized aligning employee training and education with local workforce needs.”

The governor’s office pointed out that some of Florida’s large counties were in the top 50 for talent attraction including Hillsborough County (#8), Polk (#10), Lee (#12), St Johns (#18), and Pasco (#20).

With regard to net migration, Florida led the nation by adding more than 388,000 residents between 2016 and 2020. Three Florida counties were among the top ten large counties nationally in net migration: Lee, Pasco and Polk counties.

Nassau County led the nation in net migration among small counties with Walton County ranked fourth.

“Florida’s #1 ranking in talent attraction and net migration is proof that Governor DeSantis’ Freedom First policies work. Businesses and families move to Florida because they know our state is the best place to grow. The state’s unemployment rate remains low, while private sector employment and job growth continue to soar,” said Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Secretary Dane Eagle.

“DEO is proud to work with Enterprise Florida and other state partners to help bring Governor DeSantis’ vision of a strong, resilient Florida workforce to fruition. We will continue to make smart, strategic investments to meet the workforce demands of Florida businesses and keep the state’s economy strong.”