Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson highlighted new findings from a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) study demonstrating that Florida’s forest industry supported more than 103,000 jobs and generated nearly $29 billion in total economic output in 2023, reinforcing the industry’s vital role in the state’s economy and rural communities.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson highlighted new findings from a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) study demonstrating that Florida’s forest industry supported more than 103,000 jobs and generated nearly $29 billion in total economic output in 2023, reinforcing the industry’s vital role in the state’s economy and rural communities.

“Florida’s forest industry is a major economic driver for our state,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “It supports jobs, strengthens rural communities, and provides sustainable products we all rely on. These findings show why it’s so important that we continue to support and invest in Florida forestry.”

Florida is home to approximately 16.76 million acres of forest land — nearly half of the state’s land area — which supports the manufacture of a wide range of products, including lumber, paper, packaging, and renewable biomass energy. Forestry remains especially important in North Florida, where many communities rely on the industry for jobs and economic stability.

“Florida’s forestry community works every day to keep our forests productive and sustainable,” said Jim Karels, Executive Director of the Florida Forestry Association. “This report shows the real impact that work has on jobs, communities, and our state’s economy.”

“The Florida Forest Service works closely with landowners and industry partners to ensure our forests remain healthy, productive, and resilient,” said Rick Dolan, Director of the Florida Forest Service. “These findings reflect the strength of that partnership and the important role active forest management plays in supporting both our economy and natural resources.”

In addition to supporting jobs and economic activity across the state, Florida’s forest industry contributes to international trade, with more than $1.79 billion in forest products exported globally in 2023.

“This study looks at the full scale and scope of economic activity related to the forest industry, including its support of economic activity in non-forest-related sectors,” said Christa Court, Director of the UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program. “It gives a clearer picture of how the forest industry is related to the broader state economy, and which counties are more reliant on this industry in terms of their local economies.”

Beyond the economic value of the forest industry, Florida’s forests provide important environmental benefits, including wildlife habitat, water quality protection, and outdoor recreation opportunities that support local economies and enhance the quality of life for Floridians.

The full report, Economic Contributions of the Florida Forest Industry in 2023, provides updated insights into the industry’s performance since 2016 and highlights the continued importance of forestry to Florida’s economy and natural resources. The report, along with an interactive map of forestry contributions by county, can be found at go.ufl.edu/florida-forest-products.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

For more information about Florida forestry and the Florida Forestry Association, visit FLForestry.org.

For more information about the UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program, visit go.ufl.edu/eiap.

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