Income from retail trade is higher in Florida than in the U.S. as a whole. The state's retail establishments not only serve Floridians, but an estimated 38 million visitors each year. These visitors generate retail sales that would equal those generated by 1.5 million permanent residents. Employment is highest in automobile dealerships, restaurants, home furnishing stores, drugstores, and building and garden supply stores and lowest in food stores, service stations, apparel stores, and department stores.
Wholesale trade's share of total employment in Florida is not as great as its share in the nation. Nonetheless, several wholesale centers have emerged, notably Jacksonville, Miami, Lakeland, Tampa, and Orlando. Jacksonville and Tampa have emerged as leaders in grocery wholesaling.
