Florida’s booming cities are no longer just attracting tourists and retirees — they are among the nation’s top ten fastest-growing metros, driving major gains in population, jobs, and business activity, according to a new analysis from CoworkingCafe.
Jacksonville Leads Large Metros
Jacksonville cracked the top tier of America’s largest cities, recording a 9% population increase in a single year and a 43% surge in GDP. Infrastructure improvements at JAXPORT and in transit are helping sustain this pace of growth.
Orlando and Tampa Rising Fast
In central Florida, Orlando ranked high for its 14% population growth and 36% rise in median earnings, underscoring its shift into a hub for tech, aerospace, and entertainment.
Nearby Tampa also posted standout numbers, including a 43% GDP increase and nearly 40% median earnings growth, reflecting a rapidly diversifying economy.
St. Petersburg and Port St. Lucie Power Entrepreneurship
St. Petersburg and Port St. Lucie were highlighted for explosive small-business growth. St. Petersburg saw a 98% jump in business applications, while Port St. Lucie topped the list with 108% growth in business startups — a signal of mounting entrepreneurial energy across the state.
