Florida ranked first in WalletHub’s 2026 Best States to Start a Business report, driven by a strong business environment and high startup activity. The Sunshine State placed fifth for growth in the number of small businesses, 13th for availability of human capital and 17th for labor costs, while ranking 25th for cost of living. WalletHub said Florida’s low corporate tax burden and expanding working-age population helped offset weaker financing accessibility. Nationally, Utah and Texas followed Florida, with Oklahoma and Idaho rounding out the top five. The study noted that elevated inflation and tight labor markets continued to challenge entrepreneurs nationwide, contributing to high failure rates among startups despite improved ecosystems in several Sun Belt states.
Florida tops WalletHub’s 2026 startup rankings
WalletHub ranked Florida as the best state to start a business in 2026, outperforming Utah and Texas, while Rhode Island placed last, as illustrated in the accompanying graphic.
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