Tallahassee, FL — During National Small Business Month, Build American AI, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit dedicated to advancing U.S. leadership in transformative technologies, released its first state-level economic report highlighting how artificial intelligence (AI) is already powering growth for small businesses across Florida.
The report underscores how entrepreneurs across the state are adopting AI to increase revenue, improve operations, and better serve their customers, positioning Florida as a national leader in the AI-driven economy.
Key findings include:
- AI will contribute an estimated $81–$121 billion in economic output to Florida’s rapidly growing economy by 2035
- 58% of Florida small businesses are already using AI
- 89% of those businesses report increased revenue after adopting AI
- Florida ranks 5th nationally in AI readiness, positioning the state as a leader in emerging technology adoption
Florida is home to more than 3.3 million small businesses, with a significant share already integrating AI into their operations. As the nation’s fourth-largest economy, and one of its fastest growing, Florida is uniquely positioned to lead in the AI era.
In 2025, Florida led the nation in new business formations, with nearly 698,000 new businesses launched. The state’s pro-business environment, favorable tax structure, and balanced regulatory approach continue to attract companies and workers building the AI-driven economy.
The report’s release comes during National Small Business Month, as entrepreneurs across Florida are coming together to support continued AI growth and advocate for a clear, national regulatory framework.
“The global race for AI leadership is already underway, and the economic stakes couldn’t be higher,” said Nathan Leamer, executive director of Build American AI. “This report makes clear that artificial intelligence isn’t a future promise, it’s already driving real growth for Florida’s small businesses and communities. Florida’s success shows what’s possible when innovation is encouraged and investment is welcomed. If we want the next generation of breakthroughs, and the jobs and industries that come with them, to be built in America, we need a clear, national framework that gives businesses the certainty to invest, grow, and innovate at speed and scale.”
Build American AI has a growing coalition of business owners from across the state that are urging policymakers to ensure the next generation of transformative technology is developed, led, and secured in the United States. They are calling for a pro-growth, pro-innovation national framework that avoids a patchwork of state-by-state regulations, strengthens domestic innovation, and provides the certainty small businesses need to invest and expand.
“Artificial intelligence is already transforming how Florida’s small businesses compete and grow, and policymakers need to keep pace,” said David Clark, founder of Allegiant Strategies Group and a “360 AI” model that supports his business. “With the right strategy and a clear policy framework, Florida has the opportunity to set the standard for how innovation and governance can work together to drive economic success.”
“In a restaurant, you’re always balancing quality, time, and customer experience,” said Dina Rubio, owner of Don Ramon Cuban Cuisine in West Palm Beach. “AI is helping small businesses like ours work more efficiently behind the scenes and stay connected with our customers, so we can focus on what matters most — serving our guests well and continuing to grow. Like many small businesses across Florida, we’re constantly adapting and using tools like this to stay competitive in the restaurant industry.”
“At Alair JNJ Group, we leverage AI-driven technology throughout our operations to elevate every stage of the planning and construction process. From streamlining workflows and reducing operational errors to increasing precision and efficiency, these tools allow our team to deliver a more seamless experience from concept to completion. AI also enhances the client experience by helping homeowners better visualize design possibilities before construction begins, creating greater clarity and confidence throughout the journey,” said Jim Krantz, Founding Partner of Alair JNJ Group. “By improving accuracy, accelerating timelines, and supporting smarter decision-making, we’re able to execute projects more efficiently while maintaining the exceptional level of attention to detail and quality Alair is known for. Ultimately, our use of AI helps keep clients informed, brings their vision to life faster, and creates meaningful cost savings along the way.” “AI is helping me run my photography business more efficiently, which ultimately means a better experience for my clients,” said Kira Derryberry, owner of Kira Derryberry Photography. “When you’re a small business, you’re doing everything — editing, scheduling, invoicing, answering emails. AI helps lighten that load so I can put more time back into the work I love: being creative and delivering an experience that feels personal for every client. At the end of the day, it’s given me time back — and that time goes straight into what really sets my work apart.”
