The University of Florida’s Economic Contributions to Florida:
Florida's Future,
Powered by UF.
Driving Growth. Fueling Innovation. Strengthening Alachua County and the state of Florida.
As Florida’s flagship university, the University of Florida fuels economic strength across every region of the state. Through world-class research, workforce development, health care innovation, construction, startup creation, and the daily impact of our students and visitors, UF generates measurable returns that power Florida’s growth.
Our comprehensive economic contributions report confirms what communities across all 67 counties already experience: investment in UF drives innovation, strengthens industries, supports jobs, and advances Florida’s position as a national and global leader.
output
UF Revenues, FY 2023-24
- Nongovernmental Grants & Contracts - 45 percent
- Federal, State, & Local Grants & Contracts - 30 percent
- Student Tuition & Fees (Less Scholarships) - 17 percent
- Other - 8 percent
- State Non-Capital Appropriations - 54 percent
- Federal & State Student Financial Aid - 12 percent
- Non-Capital Grants Contracts, & Gifts - 10 percent
- State Capital Appropriations - 12 percent
- Other - 11 percent
Spotlight: UF Nursing
Strengthening the Future of Health Care
Nurses play a critical role in patient care and the overall strength of the health care system. Through the “Elevating Care by Empowering Nurses” initiative, the University of Florida is investing in innovative approaches that support nursing students and professional nurses throughout every stage of their careers.
Led by UF College of Nursing Dean and UF Health Chief Nurse Executive Dr. Shakira Henderson, the initiative connects classroom education with real-world clinical experience, helping strengthen mentorship, workforce readiness, and professional development. By aligning nursing education with patient care delivery, UF is helping build a stronger, more resilient health care workforce.
The initiative reflects UF’s continued commitment to improving health outcomes, expanding access to quality care, and preparing nurses to meet the evolving needs of communities across Florida and beyond.
Elevating Care by Empowering Nurses
Driving Florida's Economy
The University of Florida is one of the state's most powerful economic engines, supporting jobs, generating tax revenue, fueling innovation, and strengthening communities in all 67 Florida counties.
Home of the flagship
Extension offices in every county
Research that moves Florida
$1.26B in total research expenditures.
Critical care, statewide
$10.4B in output · $5.9B in value added · Major hospital systems serving North Central Florida.
Community reach beyond campus
Driving Florida's economy
134,422 jobs supported · $12.6B Value Added (GDP) · $8.8B in Labor Income · $2.76B in government tax revenue supported · +15.7% growth since 2017–18.
Strengthening Communities Through Critical Care
UF Health and affiliated systems serve as critical healthcare and economic anchors for North Central Florida.
Bringing Stroke Care to the Patient
Spotlight: Mobile Stroke Unit
When it comes to stroke, every second matters. The University of Florida is transforming emergency care through its Mobile Stroke Unit—bringing advanced, lifesaving treatment directly to patients before they even reach the hospital.
Operated by UF Health, this specialized ambulance is equipped with a CT scanner, lab testing, and telemedicine technology, allowing stroke experts to diagnose and begin treatment in the field. This rapid response can significantly reduce brain damage and improve recovery outcomes.
Serving North Central Florida, the unit extends UF’s reach beyond hospital walls, ensuring patients in both urban and rural communities receive immediate, expert care when it matters most.
Powering Discovery and Industry Growth
Spotlight
UF Research Sparks New Possibilities
University of Florida researchers are pioneering groundbreaking immunotherapy and mRNA vaccine research that could transform the future of cancer treatment. This work is helping unlock new ways to activate the immune system against cancer and improve outcomes for patients facing some of the most aggressive forms of the disease.
Igniting Immunity
Reimagining the Future of Cancer Treatment
At the University of Florida, researchers are exploring a new frontier in cancer treatment through innovative mRNA vaccine technology. Inspired by patients and driven by the urgent need for better therapies, Dr. Elias Sayour and his team are developing treatments.
This groundbreaking work highlights UF’s leadership in biomedical research and its commitment to advancing discoveries that improve patient outcomes, expand treatment options, and bring hope to families facing cancer diagnoses across Florida and beyond.
Top 10 Clinical Research Achievement
Building Florida’s Future
UF’s strategic capital investments generate jobs, stimulate industry growth, and create lasting economic value across Florida. Significant multiplier effects across Florida industries.
Spotlight
Advancing Innovation Through Artificial Intelligence
- HiPerGator is the most powerful university-owned and operated supercomputer in the nation.
- Artificial intelligence courses are offered across the curriculum and in every UF college.
Spotlight: HiPerGator
Powering the Future of AI
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the way the world works, and the University of Florida is at the forefront of that transformation. Powered by HiPerGator, UF researchers and students are using advanced AI technology to tackle real-world challenges in health care, agriculture, engineering, cybersecurity, and more.
HiPerGator provides researchers with the computing power needed to process massive amounts of data, accelerate scientific discovery, and develop innovative solutions faster than ever before. At the same time, UF is preparing students across every discipline with the AI skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce.
By investing in AI education, research, and infrastructure, the University of Florida is helping position Florida as a national leader in technology and innovation.
Education That Pays Dividends
UF pairs low tuition with exceptional student outcomes, delivering one of the strongest returns on investment in American higher education.
3.9–6.1
$571K–$1M+
AT-A-GLANCE COUNTY IMPACT
Delivering Measurable Returns for Alachua County
Alachua County Economic Impact (2023–24)
~60% Direct Jobs
At UF and affiliated entities — faculty, staff, healthcare workers, researchers.
~40% Indirect & Induced
Jobs supported through supply chains and local spending — construction, retail, food service, housing, healthcare services.
Fueling the Local Economy
Total Non-resident Visitor Days and Spending for Events at UF Venues
Total Non-resident Visitor Days and Spending for Events at UF Venues, FY 2023-24
Health/Medical
UF Health outpatient visits
Educational
E.g., UF Preview, UF Conferences, Continuing Education, Recruiting Events, etc.
$306.78 million
Athletic
UF-hosted athletic events
Cultural
E.g., Museums, Phillips Center, Baughman Center, University Auditorium, etc.
- Athletic: 28 percent
- Cultural: 47 percent
- Educational: 3 percent
- Health/Medical: 22 percent
Total Attendance at UF Venues, FY 2023-24
Health/Medical
UF Health outpatient visits
Educational
E.g., UF Preview, UF Conferences, Continuing Education, Recruiting Events, etc.
Athletic
UF-hosted athletic events
Cultural
E.g., Museums, Phillips Center, Baughman Center, University Auditorium, etc.
- Athletic: 19 percent
- Cultural: 19 percent
- Educational: 2 percent
- Health/Medical: 60 percent
Why this matters
UF supports a significant proportion of economic activity in Alachua County
- Nearly half of the county’s economy is tied directly or indirectly to the university
- Health care, research, construction, students, and visitors fuel local business growth
- UF Health alone drives tens of thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity
Data Source: Economic Contributions of the University of Florida and Affiliated Organizations (2023–24)
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