[Tallahassee, FL] Exports are a huge part of Florida’s economy.

Need proof? Florida exported a whopping $64.8 billion in goods last year, that’s a 17% increase over 2010’s numbers, according to state officials.

Consequently, Florida held its fourth-place position when it comes to the largest export states in the U.S. In fact, since 2008, Florida has ranked among the top five exporting states.

“This ranking confirms that Florida is a great place to do business on a global scale,” said Gov. Rick Scott.  “My team works every day to make Florida the No. 1 business state and a highly valued trade partner with countries around the world, especially those in Central and South America.”

Florida’s new exports (2010-2011) amounted to nearly $9.4 billion, which smashed the national average of a 15.8%. That $64.8 billion even surpassed Florida’s peak year for exports, which totaled out at $54.2 billion in 2008.

Additionally, Florida exported $34.5 billion in services last year.

Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope attributes the ranking to the continuing strength of Florida’s export sector.

“It supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and is a primary economic driver in the state,” said Swoope, who’s also the president & CEO of Enterprise Florida, the state’s chief economic development organization.

“Enterprise Florida will continue expanding Florida exports by building more awareness of the benefits among smaller and mid-sized businesses and facilitating the process for them,” Swoope explained.

Manufactured goods make up 85% of Florida’s exports, the second highest level of such “export-intensity” in the states. Business-friendly tax incentives have played a role in growing export numbers, claim state officials.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Image: JAXPORT

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Buqueras Named to Florida District Export Council (The Bradenton Times) U.S. Secretary of Commerce John E. Bryson appointed Port Manatee Executive Director Carlos Buqueras to Florida’s District Export Council March 16th during ceremonies in Miami. Five other members were appointed along with Buqueras …