BayCare Health System generates more than $5.1 billion a year in economic impact in Pinellas County, according to a study released Tuesday, Sept. 8.

That makes Pinellas the highest-impact county in BayCare's five-county footprint. The health system operates two hospital facilities in Dunedin and an outpatient center at 3890 Tampa Road in Palm Harbor, and it employs 15,755 people in the county. That makes BayCare the largest employer in Pinellas, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal's 2026 rankings.

Statewide Impact Reaches $13 Billion Annually

BayCare commissioned the study from Washington Economics Group, which used 2025 data. The economists found BayCare's statewide economic impact reached $13 billion annually, up 30% from the firm's previous study based on 2022 data. Systemwide, BayCare employs nearly 34,000 people and supports jobs for more than 66,000 Floridians through direct and indirect employment.

Stephanie Conners, BayCare's president and CEO, said in a statement accompanying the report that the system's growth "also serves the region by providing high-quality care while supporting jobs" and strengthening Florida's economy.

Hospitals Drive Bulk of Economic Activity

Across Florida, the study found BayCare contributes $7.2 billion to the state's gross domestic product each year. It generates $4.8 billion in household income. It provides more than $1.6 billion in revenue to federal, state and local governments. The economists found 77% of the jobs BayCare supports are in higher-wage, knowledge-based services.

BayCare's 16 hospitals account for the largest share of economic activity at $8.7 billion. BayCare Medical Group, the system's physician practice arm, grew 154% to $1.9 billion in economic impact.

BayCare reported operating revenues of $6.97 billion in 2025, up from $6.27 billion the year before, and spent $500 million on community benefit programs that year.

Growth Plans Add Billions Through 2030

The health system's growth is not slowing. Planned capital projects through 2030 are projected to add a cumulative $6.6 billion in economic impact and 30,871 jobs statewide. Those projects include a new hospital in Manatee County set to open in 2028, a children's hospital facility in Tampa opening in 2030, and expansions of urgent care centers and freestanding emergency departments.