Florida Earns $2.4 Million Per Hour: Chamber of Commerce Thanks NYC in Times Square Ad — 'Thanks for the Jobs!'

At the heart of Manhattan, New York City, at the intersection of Broadway and West 43rd Street, a massive new outdoor billboard at the entrance to Times Square has drawn significant attention. The sign carries a provocative message: 'Thanks for the jobs!' — a direct jab at New York City's leadership.

As American business leaders warn of a historic choice between 'free enterprise' and 'expanding government regulation,' Florida is bringing this ideological and policy battle directly to the doorstep of the democratic socialist camp.

The Florida Chamber of Commerce — representing an economy worth up to $1.8 trillion and record levels of wealth inflow — has officially launched a marketing campaign in Times Square. In a satirical move, it has even named New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as Florida’s 'Economic Development Contributor of the Year.'

The Chamber says it aims to remind the public how progressive high-tax and socialist policies are driving wealth, businesses, and families out of New York and into Florida, the so-called 'Sunshine State.'

Mark Wilson, CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, said in a media interview: 'We want to thank him for bringing jobs, companies, and people to Florida, because it’s their policies that are driving these people and businesses out of New York — and most of them are choosing to come to Florida.'

Wilson added: 'America is at a crossroads. Anyone paying attention knows our nation was built on freedom, free enterprise, and the right of individuals to achieve their dreams. Yet there is a force in our country today trying to strip away these freedoms and suppress free enterprise. This has never worked anywhere, and it will never work in America.'

'Mayor Mamdani’s actions are extremely dangerous for our nation. They harm New Yorkers, harm New York State, and cause great damage to the entire United States,' Wilson continued. 'We can choose the free enterprise system that built America, or we can choose to destroy it — and that is exactly what socialist policies lead to. That’s why we’re launching this campaign to refocus the nation on the value of free enterprise.'

Florida gains $2.4 million in taxable income per hour

In addition to blaming Mamdani, the Chamber’s campaign presents data to argue that lower tax rates stimulate economic growth, leading to higher total state revenue. In contrast, tax hikes in blue states (Democratic-led) trigger a 'migration wave' driven by tax avoidance.

Citing IRS population migration data, the Chamber notes that Florida gains approximately $2.4 million in net taxable income per hour, while New York loses about $1.1 million per hour. In terms of population, Florida gains 551 new residents daily, while New York loses 115 residents daily.

According to a press release from the Florida Chamber, New York State’s government budget is more than twice the size of Florida’s. New York City’s municipal budget alone exceeds Florida’s entire state budget by over $8 billion.

'What do people like Mayor Mamdani do? They want to raise taxes further on those who remain, which only accelerates the exodus from places like New York,' Wilson explained.

'Florida has cut taxes more than 50 times over the past 15 years. Because people want to come here, our state revenue has hit record highs. When the economy grows, tax revenue naturally increases — that’s how free enterprise works,' Wilson said.

Hope all states prosper through free market principles

Wilson further stated: 'The socialist agenda sounds absurd because it is absurd. The purpose of the “Free Enterprise Florida” project is to highlight what happens in places like Florida when we focus on lower taxes, smaller government, more freedom, and individual rights — and to contrast that with what happens in places like New York when taxes and regulations increase. This is an opportunity for New Yorkers and all Americans to reflect: “Hey, we must make a choice right now.”'

Wilson emphasized that Florida does not aim to belittle New York or gloat as a winner. Instead, it hopes all states will embrace free market principles to achieve prosperity and boost America’s overall GDP growth.

'While Florida is currently leading, we don’t want to see New York fail. We want other states to say “no” to the socialist trend and “yes” to the policies that built our nation. This isn’t about winning or losing, or keeping score between Florida and New York. This is truly about saving our country from absurd policies,' Wilson said.

'There is fierce competition between us and other states, but it’s a “competition of ideas and policy direction.” We’re trying to prove to the nation that free enterprise wins every time. That’s best for consumers and best for job creators. If America can refocus on this, we can return to over 3% GDP growth — that’s what our country truly needs,' Wilson explained.

Across the U.S., many regions are following in New York City’s footsteps

In response to the Chamber’s campaign and criticism, a spokesperson for New York City said in a media statement: 'By every measure, New York City’s economy is stronger than ever under Mayor Mamdani’s leadership. We look forward to continuing economic growth while ensuring broad working-class New Yorkers benefit meaningfully from that growth.'

Wilson also revealed the next steps for the 'Free Enterprise Florida' campaign, saying it will expand beyond Manhattan and specifically highlight Florida’s decades-long governance experience — built through bipartisan and conservative collaboration — that created the state’s modern economic engine.

'We had to start with New York City because the mayor is clearly pushing this community in a direction harmful to its residents,' Wilson said. 'But there are several “runners-up” across the country. When you look at Chicago, California, or Minneapolis, there are many regions closely following New York City. So we will continue to show the public what policies truly work.'

'Our nation is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, which is inseparable from our freedom, faith, and free enterprise system,' Wilson said. 'If we can refocus on free enterprise in the coming years and use it as the foundation for decision-making, our nation’s GDP can return to 3% growth, and we’ll be back on the right track.'