Florida Sen. Rick Scott (R) shared a side-by-side comparison of Florida and New York to highlight each state's economic situation as New York City faces a looming mayoral election with a democratic socialist ahead in the race.
"Thanks to far-left New York policies, people keep moving to Florida—and it’s not just for the sunshine," Scott said. "Our state is the land of opportunity, where anyone can live their American Dream, and here’s the proof."
According to the graph from Sen. Scott, Florida saw a 3.4 million increase in population growth from 2015 to 2025, while New York gained just 120,000. New York has also lost 631,000 residents since 2020, near the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Florida also gained $196 billion in adjusted gross income migration, while New York lost $111 billion, per the graph's information.
Thanks to far-left New York policies, people keep moving to Florida—and it’s not just for the sunshine.
Thanks to far-left New York policies, people keep moving to Florida—and it’s not just for the sunshine.
Our state is the land of opportunity, where anyone can live their American Dream, and here’s the proof ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Vie2PdG7S7
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) September 8, 2025
In addition, the graph details Florida's corporate tax rate at 5.5% compared to New York's (up to) 7.25%. Following more economic highlights, Florida is listed as having a 3.7% unemployment rate, compared to New York's 4% as of July 25.
The graph also shows New York's whopping 10.9% personal income tax to Florida's zero percent.
Highlighting those points, the graph detailed Florida's second-best business climate ranking, according to CEO's from Chief Executive magazine. Florida ranked only behind Texas in that category, and ahead of Tennessee, Arizona, and North Carolina.
New York, meanwhile, was ranked 49th on the list.
Another index on the graph showed Florida with the fourth-best business ranking, while New York was 50th, according to the Tax Foundation.
Scott's praise of Florida as the "land of opportunity" comes as Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, looks to win control of New York's largest city in the mayoral election on Nov. 4. According to a New York Times/Siena Survey, Mamdani holds a large lead in the race over former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Other Florida leaders have also sold the state's economic promise, with Mamdani appearing to be in firm control.
"America is the land of opportunity because we embrace capitalism, and I refuse to stand by while far-left, socialist NYC politicians threaten that for future generations!" Scott added.
