ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Uber has changed the way people around the country travel, and a new survey of Florida shows the app contributed $1.1 billion to the state’s economy.
The ride-sharing company reported on Thursday that a study by the Economic Development Research Group showed that gross revenue for Uber drivers in Florida was more than $870 million.
EDR Group conducted the first-of-its-kind study, which Uber paid for, from mid-2016 to mid-2017.
The Florida study is a breakout from one of the rest of the country, in which Uber surveyed drivers, riders and how the app operates in the states.
When it comes to riders, Uber said 10 percent of trips in Florida are for business, 25 percent are for commutes, 26 percent are for personal reasons and 39 percent are for leisure.
A little more than 14 percent of Uber trips in Florida are taken by international visitors, the app said.
“Florida’s tourism industry relies heavily upon the ability for our 116.5 million visitors to travel safely and seamlessly to our hotels, restaurants, airports and attractions,” Carol Dover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, said in a release. “The millions of dollars injected into our state’s economy bodes well for our number one industry, and we look forward to Uber’s continued impact on Florida’s economy.”
When it comes to drivers in Florida, 85 percent said they drive with Uber because they want to increase their income and pay their bills. Seventy-six percent cited the importance of schedule flexibility, the study said.
Overall, 87 percent of Florida drivers said they also earn income from other sources along with Uber, the study said. It also said nearly one-third of drivers were unemployed before joining Uber.
Based on the period of study, Uber said it contributes about $17 billion to the national economy.
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