Top Marketing Trends in Orlando for 2025 and Beyond

The Orlando–Daytona DMA is one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S. That growth, combined with record tourism highs in 2024 and a wave of new residents, makes Central Florida a fascinating marketing laboratory. For brands, the challenge is clear: how do you reach a population that’s both rooted and transient, diverse and dynamic, all while staying ahead of national and global marketing shifts?

In this article, we’ll explore the top Orlando marketing trends shaping mid-2025 and looking toward 2026. From Central Florida digital marketing strategies to changes in Orlando advertising channels and shifting consumer expectations, these are the insights marketers need to stay competitive.

Orlando/Daytona Market Landscape

Population Boom: Orlando continues to grow at a breakneck pace. Between 2023 and 2024, the metro added about 76,000 new residents, a 2.7% increase—one of the fastest growth rates nationwide. Nearly two-thirds of that growth came from international migration, making the region younger, more diverse, and more educated than ever (Orlando Economic Partnership). This demographic dynamism affects messaging; campaigns that resonate in a primarily local, homogeneous market may need adjustments here.

Tourism Recovery, With Nuance: In 2024, Orlando hosted 75.3 million visitors, a record high (Visit Orlando Data & Trends). Most were domestic travelers, but international arrivals—about 6.5 million—also climbed. However, early 2025 data shows a dip in global travel to Florida, with international visitation down around 8% year-to-date (Orlando Weekly). Domestic demand remains strong, but the mix is shifting. For marketers, that means targeting both local residents and the constant flow of U.S. visitors is critical.

Cultural Diversity: Orlando has no ethnic majority. Roughly 36% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino alongside large Black, White, and multiracial communities (U.S. Census QuickFacts). Campaigns that embrace bilingual content, cultural nuance, and inclusive imagery resonate strongly in this market.

Digital Marketing Trends

Local SEO Dominates: With thousands of newcomers and millions of tourists cycling through the DMA, “near me” searches are gold. Nearly half of Google searches are local, and most result in visits within five miles (Think with Google). Businesses are investing in their Google Business Profiles, encouraging positive reviews, and using location-specific keywords to win those moments. Managing online reviews is particularly critical—an analysis of 8.7 million searches showed that businesses with plentiful, timely responses to reviews dominated local results.

Social Media Habits: Central Florida mirrors national usage patterns but with strong Gen Z and millennial presence. TikTok continues to surge, averaging nearly an hour of daily use per person (Statista), while Instagram and YouTube remain staples. Orlando brands are leaning into short-form video—from behind-the-scenes reels at restaurants to viral TikToks from attractions. If your business is struggling to build a presence or optimize its online outreach, check out our comprehensive guide on leveraging social media for business growth.

Influencer Marketing: Micro-influencers with local followings—food bloggers, theme-park vloggers, college campus creators—are proving effective for authentic engagement. Nationally, influencer marketing is a $30+ billion industry (Influencer Marketing Hub), and Orlando’s mix of tourists and locals makes it fertile ground for collaborations.

AI-Powered Personalization: Artificial intelligence is now baked into marketing stacks. From AI-driven email campaigns to personalized product recommendations, brands in Orlando are tailoring experiences at scale. Studies show 76% of consumers prefer personalized interactions, and 90% of leading marketers say personalization significantly boosts profitability. To explore more on this, see our deep dive into personalized marketing trends. The key is balance: AI enables efficiency and relevance, but authenticity ensures trust (Salesforce State of Marketing Report).

Paid Media & Advertising

Streaming Ads Rise: As streaming surpasses cable, Connected TV (CTV) is commanding ad budgets. Nearly 44% of U.S. TV time is now on streaming platforms (Nielsen The Gauge). Local businesses are buying geo-targeted ads on Hulu, YouTube TV, and Disney+ to reach cord-cutters with precision. A hospitality brand, for example, can run a 15-second spot promoting a “staycation special” only to viewers in select zip codes.

Podcast & Digital Audio: With long commutes and a culture of on-the-go lifestyles, podcast listening is high. U.S. podcast ad revenue is projected to top $2.6 billion by 2026 (IAB Podcast Advertising Report). Local sponsorships—law firms on true-crime shows, tourism ads on travel podcasts—are gaining traction.

Out-of-Home Innovation: Orlando’s highways and Daytona’s thoroughfares are lined with billboards, many now digital. U.S. OOH spending hit $9.1 billion in 2024, with one-third digital (OAAA Industry Revenue Report). Local marketers are experimenting with dynamic creative triggered by weather or traffic and using mobile data to retarget drivers. Beyond billboards, bus wraps and interactive installations are also in play.

Sponsorships: Community events, sports teams, and cultural festivals remain staples. Sponsoring Orlando City Soccer, a neighborhood 5K, or Daytona’s Bike Week builds goodwill and visibility. Savvy brands go beyond signage, engaging through on-site activations and co-branded experiences.

Content & Community Marketing

Snackable Short-Form Content: Attention spans are shrinking. Consumers may not have time for long reads, but they’ll watch a 20-second roller coaster POV or a café’s latte-art reel. Orlando marketers are investing in snackable, entertaining video that aligns with how locals and visitors consume media. For more on this strategy, see our article on content creation in the era of short attention spans.

Events and Experiences: After years of disruption, in-person events are back. Orlando’s calendar is packed—conventions, art festivals, sporting events—and brands are eager to connect face-to-face. Experiential activations, from interactive booths to AR scavenger hunts, are creating buzz and generating social content.

Email & Newsletters: Email remains a workhorse. Open rates are high when content is segmented and personalized (HubSpot Email Marketing Benchmarks). Orlando businesses—from real estate firms to entertainment venues—are cultivating lists to bypass algorithm changes and maintain direct customer contact. It’s also an excellent platform for storytelling.

Brand Partnerships & Storytelling: Partnerships are trending. Think a brewery teaming with a local band for a concert series or a café co-hosting an art night. These collaborations expand reach and deepen community ties. Moreover, brand storytelling has become a cornerstone of effective branding. For inspiration, see the art of storytelling in branding.

Consumer Expectations

Sustainability: Three out of four consumers say sustainability influences their buying decisions (Nielsen Sustainability Survey). Central Florida businesses are responding with eco-friendly practices, from hotels cutting plastic waste to restaurants sourcing local ingredients. Authenticity matters—greenwashing backfires. See our insights on sustainable practices in printing and production to align environmental responsibility with brand goals.

Inclusion & Representation: With Orlando’s diversity, inclusive marketing isn’t optional. Representation in ads, multilingual content, and accessible experiences build loyalty. Studies show inclusive campaigns drive significantly higher sales lift than generic ones (Kantar Inclusive Marketing Study).

Authenticity & Trust: Trust is make-or-break. Four in five consumers say they must trust a brand before buying (Edelman Trust Barometer). Orlando businesses are learning to showcase real people, respond openly to issues, and engage with the community. Transparency pays dividends in repeat business.

The Transient Factor: With 75 million annual visitors and thousands of new residents each month, marketers can’t rely on loyalty alone. Every week brings new potential customers who may know nothing about your brand. Consistent visibility, quick trust-building, and capturing repeat touchpoints (emails, social follows) are essential.

Future Outlook: Late 2025 and 2026

Epic Universe and Tourism Growth: The opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in 2025 is expected to draw millions of new visitors annually (Orlando Business Journal). Add new attractions, major conventions, and Daytona’s continued motorsports dominance, and the tourism pipeline looks strong—though subject to the broader economic climate.

Tech Integration: Expect more AR activations, AI-driven campaign optimization, and first-party data strategies as third-party cookies disappear. Orlando’s tech and entertainment sectors may become testbeds for innovative marketing tech.

Media Fragmentation: Streaming will expand further, voice search will matter more, and new social platforms may emerge. Local marketers will need to adapt quickly to wherever audiences shift.

Human Storytelling: As AI floods the market with content, authenticity will differentiate. Brands that share real stories—of customers, employees, or community impact—will stand out.

Final Thoughts

The top Orlando marketing trends of 2025 reveal a market that’s vibrant, complex, and full of opportunity. Population growth, diverse communities, and global tourism keep Central Florida in motion. Brands that master local SEO, short-form content, streaming ads, authentic storytelling, and community engagement will thrive.

Looking to 2026, Orlando is poised for even greater visibility. The challenge for marketers is to balance cutting-edge tools with genuine human connection. In a city where audiences are always arriving—and always changing—adaptability and authenticity are the keys to success.