President's Letter: Plants Unite and Inspire

People, in general, are social animals. We tend to thrive when we work alongside other like-minded individuals. We don't like to be alone, and we are constantly searching for people to work with who share similar values and goals.

Somehow, either because of a family legacy or perhaps a chance encounter, we all ended up in an industry where plants are at the center of our work lives. In that way, plants unite us.

Many of us found ourselves re-connecting and bonding this past week during The Landscape Show in Orlando. We met old friends, got to know new faces, shared a glass of wine during the opening reception and cheered on those who won awards. We were part of something, part of the FNGLA.  

In upcoming editions of this President's Letter, I will feature chapter leaders because it is important to learn about those who are making a difference in our shared industry.

Until then, I want to celebrate with you how our group is making an economic impact.

Below is an excerpt of an op-ed I shared on this topic, which originally ran Friday, August 22 in the Orlando Sentinel:

Florida’s nursery and landscape industry is a powerhouse, steadily fueling economic growth across the state. Though its impact often goes unrecognized, it surrounds us every day in the palm trees lining our roadways, the shaded sidewalks in our neighborhoods and the vibrant landscapes that enhance our public spaces.

A 2025 economic impact study conducted by Farm Credit of Central Florida and sponsored by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) found that Florida’s green industry generated nearly $42 billion in total economic impact in 2023. The industry supported more than 279,000 jobs — a nearly five percent increase since 2020 — and contributed almost $14 billion in labor income.

These figures are more than statistics. They represent careers and stability for thousands of Florida families and small businesses.

Much of this growth is tied to Florida’s rising population. As more people flock to the Sunshine State, the demand for new homes, commercial properties and community infrastructure increases. That growth creates a rising need for landscape design, maintenance and plant production.

Since 2011, the landscape services sector alone has added nearly 30,000 jobs, reflecting this expanding demand. At the same time, the nursery and greenhouse sector has seen plant production jobs rise by 43 percent, directly employing nearly 27,000 Floridians.

Ranking number one in the nation in floriculture sales, Florida is home to more than 18,000 green industry establishments, a number that continues to climb. Landscape services alone account for more than 11,000 businesses that provide critical care to residential lawns, commercial campuses, public parks and roadside corridors. Their work goes beyond aesthetics. Landscape management serves as essential infrastructure in Florida. Thoughtful landscaping can help mitigate flooding, prevent blights and support healthier, more sustainable communities throughout the state.

In sum, to my “shared group,” I say proudly: way to go!!
 

Marcella Lucio-Chinchilla

FNGLA 2025-26 President