Economic engine

Florida might not rule the Southeast in college football, but in a major economic metric —GDP — the Sunshine State pounces rivals such as Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

Start with total GDP: Florida, according to a new study from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, has a 5% share of the U.S. GDP, gross domestic product. Georgia holds a 2.8% share, while Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi don't even combine to match Florida's share.

The Fed survey breaks down GDP into 20 industry categories. Florida ranks No. 1 in 18 out of 20 sectors. In several categories Florida doubles, or nearly doubles, the total output of the No. 2 state.