TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Build American AI, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing America’s leadership in innovative technology, released its first state-level economic report during National Small Business Month highlighting how artificial intelligence (AI) is already contributing to the growth of small businesses across Florida.
The report positions Florida as a national leader in the AI-driven economy and highlights how entrepreneurs in the state are deploying AI to increase revenue, improve operations, and better serve customers.
Key findings include:
AI is expected to contribute an estimated $81 billion to $121 billion in economic output to Florida’s fast-growing economy by 2035 58% of Florida’s small businesses are already using AI 89% of those businesses report increased revenue after implementing AI Florida ranks 5th in the nation for AI readiness, establishing itself as a leader in the adoption of emerging technologies
Florida is home to more than 3.3 million small businesses, and a significant share of them have already integrated AI into their operations. As the nation’s fourth-largest economy and one of the fastest-growing, Florida is uniquely positioned to lead in the AI era.
In 2025, Florida led the nation in new business formation, with approximately 698,000 new businesses launched. The state’s pro-business environment, favorable tax system and balanced regulatory approach continue to attract companies and workers building an AI-driven economy.
The release of this report comes during National Small Business Month, when entrepreneurs across Florida are rallying to support the continued growth of AI and advocate for a clear national regulatory framework.
“The global race for AI leadership is already underway, and the economic risks are higher than ever,” said Nathan Riemer, executive director of Build American AI. “This report makes clear that artificial intelligence is not just a promise of the future, but is already driving real growth for Florida’s small businesses and communities. Florida’s success shows what is possible when innovation is encouraged and investment is welcomed. If we want to build the next generation of breakthroughs and the jobs and industries that come with them in America, we need a clear national framework to ensure businesses invest, grow, and innovate with speed and scale.”
Build American AI is a growing coalition of business leaders across the state who are pushing policymakers to ensure the next generation of innovative technologies are developed, led, and secured in the United States. They are calling for a pro-growth, pro-innovation national framework that avoids a patchwork of state-by-state regulations, strengthens domestic innovation, and provides small businesses with the certainty they need to invest and expand.
“Artificial intelligence is already changing the way Florida’s small businesses compete and grow, and policymakers need to keep pace,” said David Clark, founder of Allegiant Strategies Group and the 360 AI model that supports his business. “With the right strategy and clear policy framework, Florida has the opportunity to set the standard for how innovation and governance work together to drive economic success.”
“In restaurants, there’s always a balance between quality, time and customer experience,” says Dina Rubio, owner of Don Ramon Cuban Cuisine in West Palm Beach. “AI is helping small businesses like ours work more efficiently behind the scenes and stay connected to our customers, so we can focus on what matters most: serving our customers well and continuing to grow. Like many small businesses in Florida, we are constantly adapting and using tools like this to stay competitive in the restaurant industry.”
“Alair JNJ At Group, we leverage AI-driven technology throughout our operations to improve every step of the planning and construction process. From streamlining workflows and reducing operational errors to increasing accuracy and efficiency, these tools enable our team to deliver a more seamless experience from concept to completion. AI also improves the client experience by allowing homeowners to better visualize design possibilities before construction begins, creating more clarity and confidence throughout the construction process. said Jim Krantz, founding partner of JNJ Group. “By improving accuracy, accelerating timelines, and supporting smarter decision-making, we are able to execute projects more efficiently while maintaining the exceptional level of attention to detail and quality that Alair is known for. Ultimately, our use of AI helps us keep our clients informed, realize their vision faster, and generate meaningful cost savings in the process.” Kira Derryberry, Owner of Kira Derryberry Photography He said: “If you’re a small business, you’re doing everything yourself: editing, scheduling, invoicing, answering emails. AI takes that load off and allows me to spend more time doing what I love: being creative and providing a personal experience for every client. At the end of the day, it gives me time back, and that time can go directly to what really makes my job stand out.”
