Those of us who live in the Sunshine State know there are many excellent reasons to do so. But, add yet another one, Florida’s lofty position in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best States rankings.

Florida ranked No. 1 in the economy category, No. 2 in education, No. 9 in fiscal stability and sixth overall, jumping three spots from its overall ranking of ninth in 2024. It’s also the only southern state to appear in the overall top 10 for 2025.

U.S. News & World Report’s research and methodologies are closely monitored by many industries and consumers, so when Florida shines here (as it does regularly), it’s worth perusing.

Here’s more on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best States rankings.

Surveys said

Since its 2017 debut, U.S. News & World Report’s state-centric ranking focuses on eight categories using 71 different metrics. Alphabetically, these categories are crime and corrections, economy, education, fiscal stability, health care, infrastructure, natural environment and opportunity.

Researchers cited Florida’s ongoing, long-term strong growth as the most obvious impetus for its first-place ranking on the economy list, attributing its two major economic engines, tourism and agriculture, as factors.

World-renowned attractions (we see you, Orlando), cruise ports, spectacular national, state and municipal parks, and 825 miles of beaches per the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, keep visitors arriving in every season.

The state’s year-round temperate climate plays a role in its tourism and agricultural success, providing pleasant vacation and growing conditions.

Researchers also recognized Florida’s tourism sales tax as a major player in helping the state remain one of only eight without a state income tax. The others are Alaska, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

Needless to say, no state income tax is a big draw for many prospective Florida residents.

Where to find ICI Homes

Headquartered in Daytona Beach, we at ICI Homes have a good perspective on the state’s latest business, economic and educational plaudits from U.S. News & World Report.

We’ve built new custom Florida homes all over the state for 45 years and hear many reasons why customers became new residents, and why others become repeat customers.

Find us developing our own master-planned communities, and those in which we’re preferred builders, in the following major metropolitan areas, also where some of the state’s strongest school systems and tourist destinations thrive.

Our Jacksonville area includes St. Augustine and Fernandina Beach. Our Daytona Beach area includes Flagler Beach, Ormond Beach and Palm Coast.

We have major projects in the Gainesville, Orlando and Tampa regions, and are just underway in our newest region, Sarasota.

Ready for your new custom Florida home? Talk to ICI Homes here.