Florida is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, and for good reason. One of the key reasons for our growth is that Florida offers a business climate that is competitive and innovative, encouraging creativity in our businesses and the utilization of new technologies to strengthen businesses of all sizes without burdensome and job-killing regulations. Our open-for-business policies are as enjoyable as our spectacular beaches and climate.

 However, to sustain its momentum, Florida must continue fostering its strong business environment, creating expansive opportunities for businesses to grow and thrive within the state.

 Looking at 2025 and beyond, it is essential that Florida welcomes artificial intelligence (AI) innovations and extends our open-for-business policies to this exciting and emerging technological force. With business-friendly regulations, robust economic policies and reduced bureaucratic red tape, the Sunshine State’s approach to economic development has created a rich environment that has the potential to become a hub for AI. Floridians are already experiencing the benefit of Florida’s tech infrastructure, an infrastructure that provides incentives and opportunities for businesses that run AI data centers so the tech industry can then contribute $70 billion in economic impact each year to our state. 

 In addition to the economic impact of technology and AI:  

• Florida’s educational institutions have invested in tech-related programs to better prepare our students for 21st century challenges, such as the University of Florida’s Center for Artificial Intelligence;
• Our public sector has become more efficient and productive thanks to AI and the Florida Legislature recently passed legislation to further improve government processes with technology.
• Non-tech sector businesses are even benefiting from AI implementation, with businesses as varied as restaurants, construction, healthcare, and manufacturing seeing game-changing benefits from AI.

 By committing to innovative AI policies, Florida will ensure it remains one of the top five states for business and a national leader in job growth in the tech industry.  

 Yet not all states have adopted a pro-AI approach, and it will hold them back for years. Colorado, for example, recently passed the first state regulatory AI law, the Colorado Artificial Intelligence Act (CAIA). While the law’s proponents say it is designed to protect consumers from AI, it instead has created an overly broad, restrictive and onerous policy that is burdensome for every resident and business in Colorado. This has hurt Colorado’s businesses and is hindering economic growth only possible by empowering innovators and entrepreneurs. As a result, Colorado has seen a drastic decline in economic development in the state, falling short in economic metrics across the board.

 While Colorado has treated AI as the enemy, holding it back and hurting their economy, we in Florida have welcomed AI with open arms, a fact that shows not just in our economic numbers but on our main streets and communities. Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Tampa Bay are each ranked among the top markets for tech talent in the country, and we have seen expansive growth across all our economic sectors as AI uses have advanced.

 Florida must continue this momentum and build on this incredible economic opportunity for the state. By continuing to support open-for-business policies needed to foster tech development and AI implementation, the Sunshine State can serve as the next great tech state and a beacon for the country’s future.

Greg Blose is the Chief Executive Officer of Nexus360, a northeast Florida-based and  A.I.-centric business advisory and consulting firm