One of the most remarkable economic developments of the 1970s for the State of Florida was its emergence in the international financial world. Florida's economy which until then was essentially relying on tourism agriculture and the construction industry began during the 1970s to gradually acquire a new dimension--international banking. Florida's proximity to Central and South American markets its bilingual population and the promulgation by the state of international banking legislation have all contributed to Miami's emergence--both nationally and internationally--as a specialized Latin American banking center.With international banking a major financial activity its impact is felt throughout the Florida economy. Employment and office expenditures have a direct effect on local income. However the total economic impact of international banking activities on the local economy is even mor...