STATE OF THE FUTURE: FLORIDA

For 2003, Florida’s GSP was $550bn, a 5.7% increase over 2002. Last year, more than $2737bn was committed for inward investment, representing $157.34 per capita. Deals involved 15 foreign investments. The three most significant deals in 2003 were: Embraer Aircraft Holdings (Brazil), a $10m investment; Gambro Renal Products (Sweden), $24m; and Hyundai Mobis Parts America (Korea), $1.2m.

About 25% of the state’s population holds a university-level degree. Florida offers 11 state public universities and numerous private universities.