SelectFlorida Highlights Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Accomplishments

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- Today, SelectFlorida highlights key accomplishments from Fiscal Year 2024-2025, underscoring Florida's commitment to expanding international opportunities for small and emerging businesses. In close collaboration with Florida's Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) and in partnership with FloridaCommerce, SelectFlorida generated a record $1.9 billion in export sales-a $500 million increase from the previous fiscal year.

Through close coordination with EDO partners across the state, SelectFlorida assisted nearly 1,900 Florida-based small and emerging businesses, helping them access new international markets and provide insight into the international supply chain. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the dedicated leadership of the SelectFlorida Board, whose vision continues to guide and strengthen Florida's international economic strategy.

"This year's record-breaking export results reflect the strength of Florida's small business community and the strong partnerships we've built across the state," said Greg Britton, State Director of the Florida SBDC Network. "We're proud to continue helping Florida's small business owners build the capabilities they need to expand internationally-so they can grow, create jobs and drive economic prosperity across the state."

"Florida stands out as a global gateway with its economic stability, business-friendly environment and world-class infrastructure," said Interim President of SelectFlorida Matt Swanson. "We're proud to support our economic development partners across Florida as they work to position their communities for long-term growth and international success-offering unparalleled opportunities for Florida businesses, as well as international companies, to thrive and expand domestically and globally."

"Under Governor DeSantis' leadership, Florida's small and emerging businesses are the benchmark of our economy," said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. "Through SelectFlorida and strong collaboration with local partners, we are opening doors to global markets and ensuring our small businesses have the tools and support they need to compete and succeed internationally."

SelectFlorida's efforts to connect small and emerging businesses to international markets were further strengthened by awarding more than $411,000 in trade program grants to 98 small and emerging Florida businesses. These awards continue to solidify Florida's position as an international hub for innovation, trade and investment-reflecting one of SelectFlorida's core commitments: helping Florida companies grow through international opportunities.

In addition to export success, SelectFlorida also established 35 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects, resulting in more than $301 million in capital investment and the creation of more than 2,500 new jobs. These wins were made possible through strong local partnerships and highlight Florida's growing reputation as an international destination for business and innovation.

SelectFlorida coordinated a total of 18 international trade and investment events, including the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, the International Trade and Development Mission to Italy and the 2025 International Paris Airshow. Additional missions included visits to Ireland, Germany and the United Kingdom to further strengthen Florida's international partnerships.