Tech Industry Remains Vital to Florida's Economy

Florida Is the 4th Largest Cyberstate by Tech Employment

Orlando, FL (March 31, 2009) - TechAmerica, formed by the merger of AeA and the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), today released its 12th annual Cyberstates report, which includes a first-ever supplement with a 3rd and 4th quarter breakdown of 2008 tech employment. Fourth quarter data show the tech industry's resilience compared to the U.S. economy as a whole, having sustained only a 0.6 percent drop in employment, or 38,000 jobs, in Q4 2008 when total private-sector employment declined by 1.3 percent.

The high-tech industry has added 382,900 jobs to the U.S. economy over the last four years. The industry added 77,000 net jobs in 2008, for a total of 5.9 million workers. This was on top of 79,600 added in 2007, 139,000 in 2006, and 87,400 in 2005.

The Cyberstates 2009 report - which details national and state trends in high-tech employment, wages, and other key economic factors for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico - shows that Florida remained the 4th ranked cyberstate employing 280,300 workers with a total payroll of $19 billion in 2007, the most current year for which state data is available. Florida's computer systems design and related services sector gained 4,100 net jobs.

"The technology sector is critical to Florida's economy," said Maryann Fiala, Executive Director, TechAmerica Florida. "The 2008 national data show that America's tech sector is stronger and more resilient than the overall economy, and may be better positioned to stage a comeback after the recession if it can tap into the federal stimulus package, which includes significant technology infrastructure investments, to boost job creation and facilitate recovery in the Sunshine state."

Florida experienced some volatility in its high-tech services base and high-tech employment overall in the state saw a loss of 1,700 net jobs - about one percent, in 2007.

Two other major TechAmerica cyber reports that analyze the U.S. high-tech industry: Cybercities 2009: An Overview of the High-Technology Industry in the Nation's Top 60 Cities, and Trade in the Cyberstates 2009: A State-by-State Overview of High-Tech International Trade, are forthcoming.

Cyberstates 2009 may be purchased for $150. The quarterly supplement may be freely downloaded. Both reports may be accessed at: www.techamerica.org/cyberstates.

What Does High Tech Mean for Florida?

• 280,300 high-tech workers in 2007 (4th ranked cyberstate)
• 1,700 jobs lost between 2006 and 2007
• High-tech firms employed 41 of every 1,000 private sector workers in 2007, ranked 32nd nationwide
• High-tech workers earned an average wage of $66,900 (31st ranked), or 72 percent more than Florida's average private sector wage
• A high-tech payroll of $18.7 billion in 2007, ranked 7th nationwide
• 22,700 high-tech establishments in 2007, ranked 3rd nationwide

Florida's National Industry Sector Rankings:

• 1st in computer training employment with 1,600 jobs
• 3rd in communications services employment with 84,900 jobs
• 3rd in engineering services employment with 59,200 jobs

Source: Cyberstates 2009

Data are for 2007 unless otherwise noted.

2007 state data are the most current available for employment, wages, payroll, establishments, and industry sector jobs.

Published by TechAmerica - Where the Future Begins

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About TechAmerica
TechAmerica is the leading voice for the U.S. technology industry, the driving force behind productivity growth and jobs creation in the United States and the foundation of the global innovation economy. Representing approximately 1,500 member companies of all sizes from the public and commercial sectors of the economy, it is the industry's largest advocacy organization and is dedicated to helping members' top and bottom lines. It is also the technology industry's only grassroots-to-global advocacy network, with offices in state capitals around the United States, Washington, D.C., Europe (Brussels) and Asia (Beijing). TechAmerica was formed by the merger of AeA (formerly the American Electronics Association), the Cyber Security Industry Alliance (CSIA), the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) and the Government Electronics & Information Technology Association (GEIA). Learn more at www.techamerica.org.

Contact:
Maryann Fiala
Executive Director, TechAmerica Florida
407.882.2425 or maryann.fiala@techamerica.org

Josh James
Director, Research and Industry Analysis (research-based inquiries)
202.682.4422 or josh.james@techamerica.org

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