The State of Florida is missing out on more than $182 million that could come from allowing same-sex couple to marry, according to a new study.
The study, from the Williams Institute at the University of California - Los Angeles School of Law, estimates that more than 24,000 couples would choose to marry over the next three years, creating up to 2,626 jobs and bringing $182.2 million to the Sunshine State's economy.
The report looked at spending by same-sex couples in other states as well as wedding expenditure and tourism data from Florida.
"Our calculations indicate that the total spending on wedding arrangements and tourism by same-sex couples and their guests would be approximately $182.2 million over three years, with a positive impact of $116.6 million in the first year alone," the report said. "We estimate that total economic boost over three years would generate about $ 12.1 million in tax revenue for state and local governments."
Couples who pick Florida for destination weddings could bring even more money to the state, the report said.
Florida currently has a ban on same-sex marriages, though four judges have recently found the ban unconstitutional. Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has filed notice of appeal in Miami-Dade and Monroe County, and has said judges should stop ruling on same-sex marriage cases until the U.S. Supreme Court decides the issue.
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