Florida is hosting eight of the 38 postseason games in college football – more than any other state.
This season’s games will bring football fans from 15 out-of-state schools. State and local governments will get an economic boost as those fans flood theme parks, beaches and other attractions.
The government watchdog Florida Taxwatch says the benefits include additional tax revenue, more money circulating through communities, and national exposure for host cities. The industries with the most to gain are hospitality, food services, entertainment and retail.
Thanks to the new playoff system, Florida secured two new bowls: the Miami Beach Bowl and the Boca Raton Bowl. Tampa was also selected to host the 2017 National Championship game.
Florida has hosted bowl games in each of the last 80 years.