ROME, Italy - On November 12 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to grow the relationship between Italy and Florida. Both share common bonds, values, industry, and trade, and many Italian Americans call Florida home. Both are peninsulas with historic significance and uniquely beautiful natural landscapes. 

“It was great to discuss relations between Florida and Italy with the Prime Minister today in Rome. We hope that Florida and Italy’s relationship continues to grow, and we welcome greater investment from Italian companies in our state,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We appreciate the Prime Minister hosting our trade delegation this week, and we are appreciative of her efforts to advance the interests of her country and her people.”

This meeting is part of Governor Ron DeSantis’ international trade and business development mission to Italy, which includes stops in Rome, Viareggio, Florence, Turin, and Milan. The delegation is comprised of 85 representatives from various Florida industries including higher education, transportation and logistics, aerospace and aviation, military and defense, hospitals, life sciences, and manufacturing. The trade mission aims to create numerous economic opportunities for the state, as Italy is among Florida’s top twenty trade partners internationally, accounting for $4.4 billion in annual bilateral trade.