FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2025
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Tallahassee, Fla. — Florida’s hospitals contributed $198 billion to the state’s economy in 2023, according to a new report unveiled today by the Florida Hospital Association (FHA). Hospitals provided 343,952 full-time jobs and $34.5 billion in employee wages, salaries and benefits.
Health care has emerged as a driver of job growth nationwide. In Healthcare Is Propping Up the Job Market, The Wall Street Journal reports that health and social assistance employment has grown 12.5% over the past three years, outpacing other sectors. Growth is fueled in part by America's aging population and rising demand for care, according to the article.
In Florida, that demand translates directly into careers for hundreds of thousands of health care professionals, the backbone of health systems across the state.
“Hospitals are the heart of medical care in our communities and are supporting health care systems to effectively meet growing demand and deliver innovative, world-class care,” said Mary Mayhew, president and CEO of FHA. “The latest economic impact data underscores their contributions – not only of the life-saving care they provide, but also as powerful economic engines driving Florida’s future.”
The economic impact report, “Economic Contributions of Florida Hospitals and Affiliated Healthcare Businesses in 2023,” illustrates the substantial role hospitals play in Florida’s economy and in local economies across the state. Florida's hospitals saw measurable growth from 2021 to 2023, adding 11% more jobs and 6.8% more value to the state’s economy. They also contribute significantly to the economy as major purchasers of goods and services in regions across the Sunshine State.
“As Florida grows, so does the responsibility we share to care for the health and well-being of our communities through clinically excellent care,” said Randy Haffner, Board Chair of the Florida Hospital Association Board of Trustees and Group President and CEO of AdventHealth Florida and Clinical. “This report is a reminder that hospitals are more than places of healing. They are part of the fabric of our communities, helping people live healthier lives, supporting families, creating jobs and strengthening Florida’s economy in meaningful ways.”
“Floridians deserve the confidence of knowing they can access high-quality health care when and where they need it most, and the strength of our hospitals and workforce makes that possible,” said Mayhew. “The latest economic impact numbers reaffirm the integral role Florida’s hospital industry plays in bolstering our state’s economy, creating and sustaining jobs that support families, and ensuring communities can continue to have access to vital health care services.”
View the Florida Hospitals Economic Impact Report here.
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ABOUT FHA
Founded in 1927, the Florida Hospital Association (FHA) is the leading voice for health care in the State of Florida. Through representation and advocacy, education and informational services, the Florida Hospital Association supports the mission of over 260 hospitals and health care systems to provide the highest quality of care to the patients we serve. Led by President and CEO Mary Mayhew, the Florida Hospital Association is located in Tallahassee and is governed by a Board of Trustees and officers elected by the member institutions. To learn more, visit www.fha.org.