Florida Daily

By Matt Haller, President & CEO, International Franchise Association

As America recognizes Small Business Week, it’s no secret that Florida has been a model of economic growth. More than just the weather, golf, and beaches are causing people to move their homes, families, and businesses here—it’s the opportunity that the state offers.

Take franchising, where one person or innovator creates a winning idea or a concept and then allows others to multiply it. It’s one of the oldest business models in the country, dating back to the American Revolution and Benajmin Franklin’s printing press.

By integrating into existing infrastructure, franchising allows aspiring entrepreneurs to go into business for themselves, but not by themselves. Instead of starting from scratch, franchise owners benefit from proven business models, built-in customer recognition, and operational systems that can take years to develop and refine.

Like Florida, franchising offers opportunity. It should be no surprise that franchising is flourishing in Florida.

According to recent data from the International Franchise Association (IFA), the organization that I lead as president and CEO, franchising growth in the Southeast is forecast to grow by 6.2%, more than double the 2.8% that U.S. economy grew in 2024.

Fueled by business-friendly policies and a lower cost of living, Florida ranks in the top ten of states where franchising is thriving. In 2025, the number of franchise establishments is expected to grow 2.4% to more than 66,000 total.

Franchising spans more than 300 industries—from retail to healthcare to food to fitness to home services, and even pet care.

These franchises are names that you know and love – Restaurant Brands International (RBI), whose brands include Burger King, Popeyes, Tim Hortons and Firehouse Subs, calls Miami home – and outside of fast food, brands such as PuroClean and Stretch Zone are also based in South Florida. Further, the most recent Entrepreneurs of the Year hail from Florida, including Richard Weissman, founder and CEO of The Learning Experience, and Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman, co-founders of College Hunks Hauling Junk. These entrepreneurs are recognized for successfully managing and building a successful business and helping shape the future of franchising.

While franchising offers a path to entrepreneurship for all, it is especially impactful to people of color, women and veterans, according to data from Oxford Economics.

Above all, franchising is small business – plain and simple. In fact, 81% of franchisees own and operate one single location.

There are predicted to be more than 850,000 franchise establishments across the U.S. in 2025, employing over 9 million Americans and projected to contribute $936 billion to the U.S. economy this year alone.

This weekend (May 9-10), many of the leaders in the franchising world will be convening in Miami Beach for the 2025 IFA World Franchise Show.

If you’ve ever considered starting your franchising journey, Miami is the place to be. You can explore franchise opportunities across every investment level and industry – and learn more about how to start your business the right way.

Hundreds of brands and businesses will be in one place at one time, able to answer questions and put aspiring business owners on their own path to success. There will be educational sessions designed to explain the franchise business model and even experience “day in the life” theater as a franchise owner.

From building your network and taking control of you future, the World Franchise Show gives you the tools and connections to launch your business with confidence.

During this Small Business Week, if you’ve ever wanted to go into business for yourself but just aren’t sure where to start, franchising could be for you.

Matt Haller is the President and CEO of the International Franchise Association.

Search