Florida Chamber Trolls NYC Mayor Mamdani With Times Square Billboard
The Florida Chamber of Commerce has launched a high-profile advertising campaign in New York City’s Times Square, targeting the policies of Mayor Zohran Mamdani to highlight economic trends favoring Florida. The digital billboard, erected at Broadway and West 43rd Street on August 11, 2026, humorously names the leftist mayor as Florida’s “Economic Developer of the Year.” This move is part of a broader initiative called "Free Enterprise Florida," designed to encourage New York residents and businesses to relocate south due to rising costs and tax policies in New York.
Economic Comparisons Drive Campaign
Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, stated that the campaign aims to underscore the economic advantages of living and doing business in Florida compared to New York. In a news release distributed on Tuesday morning, Wilson noted that while New York has more than twice the budget size of Florida, its push for higher taxes and increased government control is driving people away, as we reported in Florida Officials Honor NYC’s Mamdani With Sarcastic Billboard Praise.
"Florida now has more people than New York... Government doesn't create innovation or jobs — the private sector does," Wilson said in a statement. "We wanted to thank [the mayor] for the jobs, the companies, the people that they're pushing out of New York — and a lot of them are coming to Florida."
The chamber provided specific economic indicators to support its narrative. According to their data, Florida’s net migration stands at 551 people per day, whereas New York experiences a loss of 115 daily. The organization also highlighted that Florida has the lowest debt per capita in America at under $1,000, compared to over $6,500 in New York. Additionally, median rent in New York is reported as 34% higher than in Florida, with home prices being 63% higher.
Impact on Business Relocation
The campaign follows a visible trend of business leaders and financial firms moving from the Northeast to South Florida. John Boyd, whose Boca Raton-based firm advises companies on venue changes, confirmed that inquiries about relocating to South Florida remain brisk. He cited significant advantages in banking, financial services, next-generation industries like electric vertical takeoff vehicles, and space exploration, more context in Florida Officials Honor NYC’s Mamdani With Sarcastic Billboard Praise.
Boyd pointed out that business leaders are concerned about policies penalizing the wealthy class, referencing public disputes between Mayor Mamdani and Citadel CEO Ken Griffin. The mayor’s administration has faced criticism for publishing addresses of homes subject to a new pied-a-terre tax on second residences. This tension highlights the political friction driving some corporate decisions southward, confirmed by Washington Post.
Historical Context in Times Square
This is not the first time Florida entities have utilized Times Square billboards for promotional purposes. The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County previously ran "Wall Street South" ads urging financial firms to leave Manhattan, while Visit Lauderdale launched a campaign called "Never Lose Your Splash." Boca Raton also featured an 82-day advertisement in summer 2025 touting lower taxes and weather advantages.
The Florida Chamber’s current effort seeks to position the state as a hub for private sector growth amidst what it describes as government overreach in New York. The campaign utilizes major media outlets like Fox News and the New York Post to amplify its message, aiming to attract firms seeking favorable economic conditions.
