Florida isn’t just about beaches and theme parks; it’s a powerhouse of timber and grit. A fresh study from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has revealed that the state’s forest industry is a massive pillar of the economy, supporting over 103,000 jobs and churning out nearly $29 billion in total economic output in 2023.
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson highlighted these figures today in Tallahassee, pointing to the sector as a lifeline for the state’s rural backbone.
“Florida’s forest industry is a major economic driver for our state,” Simpson said. “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.”
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The scale of the industry is rooted in the land itself. Roughly 16.76 million acres—nearly half of Florida’s total land mass—is covered in forest. This vast landscape feeds a manufacturing machine that produces everything from standard lumber and paper to packaging and renewable biomass energy.
While the impact is felt statewide, it is the heartbeat of North Florida, where local stability often depends on the health of the timber market.
Jim Karels, Executive Director of the Florida Forestry Association, noted that the productivity isn’t accidental. “Florida’s forestry community works every day to keep our forests productive and sustainable,” Karels said. “This report shows the real impact that work has on jobs, communities, and our state’s economy.”
The reach of Florida’s woods extends far beyond state lines, too. In 2023, the industry moved more than $1.79 billion in forest products into the global export market. This international trade is bolstered by a network of state and private cooperation aimed at keeping the land resilient.
Rick Dolan, Director of the Florida Forest Service, credited these partnerships for the industry’s current strength, stating, “The Florida Forest Service works closely with landowners and industry partners to ensure our forests remain healthy, productive, and resilient.”
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According to Christa Court, Director of the UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program, the study captures more than just the price of logs.
“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,” Court explained. She noted that the data provides a clearer picture of how specific counties rely on the industry to keep their local economies afloat.
Beyond the balance sheets, the state’s timberlands continue to serve as a dual-purpose asset. While they fuel a multibillion-dollar economy, they simultaneously provide essential wildlife habitats, protect water quality, and offer outdoor recreation that defines the quality of life for millions of Floridians.
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