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FLORIDA - According to data released by Visit Florida, Florida’s tourism numbers held steady in the first quarter of 2025, but a decline in international visitors suggests ongoing challenges in the global travel market.
From January through March, the Sunshine State welcomed approximately 41.193 million travelers, nearly identical to the same period in 2024.
Domestic tourists made up the vast majority, accounting for nearly 92% of all visitors.
However, international travel dipped slightly, continuing a trend that began during the COVID-19 pandemic and has yet to fully rebound.
Canadian tourism dropped by about 3.4% year-over-year, with 1.227 million Canadians visiting Florida in Q1 2025 compared to 1.269 million in 2024.
The dip coincides with heightened political rhetoric from former President Donald Trump, who has proposed tariffs and suggested annexing Canada.
Governor Ron DeSantis has downplayed concerns, instead advocating for increased sales tax contributions from tourists, particularly Canadians and Brazilians, as a way to offset property taxes for Florida residents.
Additional data from Statistics Canada shows the trend continued into April, with 35.2% fewer Canadians returning home by car compared to April 2024, and a 19.9% drop in return air travel.
Although the data doesn’t specify Florida destinations, travel industry reports indicate airlines have reduced service to Florida cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Overall overseas visitation also declined slightly, falling from 2.13 million in Q1 2024 to 2.114 million in 2025.
Despite this, the total visitor count for 2024 was revised upward to nearly 143 million.