A Times Square billboard paid for by the Florida Chamber of Commerce declared New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani its 'Economic Developer of the Year,' implying his policies are driving businesses to Florida. The chamber confirmed paying for the billboard, which ran up to 20 hours a day, and CEO Mark Wilson told Fox News Florida hopes other states reject what he called a 'move toward socialism.' A disclaimer noted the ad was not authorized by Mamdani.
The chamber's supporting data, comparing business relocations from Florida and New York, actually came from 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics figures — when Eric Adams, not Mamdani, was mayor, and before Mamdani took office in January 2026. Mamdani's spokesperson said the city's economy is as strong as ever under his tenure. Mamdani's authority also does not extend to the entire state of New York, which the chamber's comparison used.
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