Rick Scott Wants to Make Florida First for Exports by Focusing on Latin America

State leaders are crowing over Florida being ranked as the fourth largest exporter state in the union -- but think there is room to improve.

The U.S. Department of Commerce released statistics showing the Sunshine State is behind Texas, California and New York, in that order, in exports.

Floridas rise to the fourth largest export state is great news, said Gov. Rick Scott on Monday as he pointed to future opportunities south of the border. With the expansion of the Panama Canal, as well as my commitment to bringing businesses to the state and increasing trade opportunities with the countries of Central and South America, I am confident we can make Florida the top export state in the nation.

Being ranked above four states in as little as six years is a tremendous feat in trade, noted Manny Menc, a vice president at Enterprise Florida in charge of overseeing its International Trade and Business Development Division. This is a fantastic achievement for the state, and we must thank the many companies that export products and services, which benefits our economy.

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