CLEARWATER – A new report by Washington Economics Group found that BayCare has a $13 billion impact on Florida’s economy each year, including supporting jobs for more than 66,000 residents.
Based on 2025 data, the economists found BayCare’s economic impact was up 30% since its last study based on 2022 data. The latest study found that annually BayCare:
- Generates $4.8 billion in household income
- Contributes $7.2 billion to Florida’s gross domestic product
- Provides more than $1.6 billion in revenues to federal, state and local governments
The economists noted BayCare’s impact is expected to grow.
BayCare’s planned capital projects through 2030 will contribute an additional cumulative $6.6 billion in economic impact and an additional 30,871 jobs in the state. These include a new hospital in Manatee County opening in 2028, a new children’s hospital facility in Tampa opening in 2030 and expansion of its urgent cares, BayCare HealthHubs and freestanding emergency departments.
“Health care is changing rapidly, and at BayCare, our disciplined growth also serves the region by providing high-quality care while supporting jobs, workforce development, research, community partnerships and investments that help strengthen Florida’s economy,” President and CEO Stephanie Conners said.
The study details the impacts of BayCare’s 16 hospitals and in each of the five counties served.
Hillsborough and Pinellas County operations provide more than $4.1 billion and over $5.1 billion in total economic impacts, respectively. These are followed by Polk County with over $1 billion in total economic impact, Pasco County with $677 million and Manatee County with $88 million. Pasco grew by 71%, the highest percentage, in large part due to the opening of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel in 2023.
BayCare’s 16 hospitals provide the largest portion of economic impact at $8.7 billion. BayCare Medical Group grew by 154% to $1.9 billion.
The economists also highlighted how BayCare’s Graduate Medical Education and workforce development programs benefit the state’s economic health. According to the study, 77% of the jobs supported are in higher-wage, knowledge-based services.
BayCare provided $500 million in community benefit programs and health care services in 2025.
Read the BayCare 2026 Economic Impact Report at https://baycare.org/about-us/economic-impact#overview.
