Chambers Global Practice Guide “Investing In... 2024” USA - Florida Trends and Developments Chapter

This article was originally published in Chambers and Partners Global Practice Guide “Investing In... 2024.” Reprinted with permission. Any opinions in this article are not those of Winston & Strawn or its clients. The opinions in this article are the authors’ opinions only.

As 2023 ends, the US economy continues to do better than previously expected. The economy avoided a recession and, in the third quarter, grew at a 5.2% annual rate, which was the largest growth since the fourth quarter of 2021. The growth rate since then has dampened, and many leading economists predict that the US economy may decelerate in 2024, potentially impacted by the inflation rate, layoffs and the presidential election. Despite the muted economic forecasts for 2024, a revival in deal-making and leveraged buyouts is expected, especially if the US Federal Reserve cuts interest rates in the wake of cooling inflation, and given the significant amount of private equity dry-powder available for deployment.

Florida has one of the most business-friendly tax and regulatory environments in the country, along with an abundance of skilled labour, a burgeoning consumer base, and the nation’s fourth largest and third fastest-growing economy. Those factors combined make it one of the best-positioned states to take full advantage of a regional increase in M&A activity. As people and businesses continue to flock to the state, it is more important than ever to stay abreast of the changing commercial, legal and regulatory environment in Florida.

Read the full chapter (pg. 804).