Miami Airport Sees Surge in Valentine's Day Flower Imports

Despite tariffs and higher costs, demand for imported flowers remains strong ahead of the holiday.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Miami International Airport is processing around 990 million stems of cut flowers in the weeks before Valentine's Day, with approximately 90% of the fresh-cut flowers sold in the U.S. for the holiday originating from Miami. Flower imports have increased by 6% compared to last year, even as tariffs and higher shipping costs have driven up prices for consumers.

Why it matters

Miami's role as a major hub for Valentine's Day flower imports highlights the city's importance to the U.S. floral industry. The surge in flower traffic also demonstrates the resilience of consumer demand for romantic bouquets, despite economic headwinds.

The details

Roses, carnations, pompons, hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, and gypsophila arrive on hundreds of flights, mostly from Colombia and Ecuador, to Miami on their journey to florists and supermarkets across the U.S. and Canada. Miami's largest flower importer, Avianca Cargo, is transporting about 19,000 tons of flowers on 320 full cargo flights, more than twice as many as normal. Tariffs placed last year on imports from Colombia and Ecuador, along with a new minimum wage enacted in Colombia, have driven up costs, leading to higher prices for consumers.

  • In the weeks before February 14th, 2026, Miami International Airport will process around 990 million stems of cut flowers.
  • Flower imports to Miami have increased by 6% compared to the same period last year.

The players

Miami International Airport

A major hub for Valentine's Day flower imports, processing around 990 million stems of cut flowers in the weeks before the holiday.

Avianca Cargo

Miami's largest flower importer, based in Medellín, Colombia, and transporting about 19,000 tons of flowers on 320 full cargo flights for Valentine's Day.

Christine Boldt

Executive vice president for the Association of Floral Importers of America, who noted that tariffs and a new minimum wage in Colombia have driven up costs, leading to higher prices for consumers.

Ralph Cutié

Director of Miami International Airport, who stated that the airport takes pride in being a major hub for Valentine's Day flower imports.

Daniel Alonso

A senior official with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who oversees the inspection of flower imports for plant pests and diseases.

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What they’re saying

“We fly flowers for the whole year, but Valentine's is special. Much more concentrated on roses, red roses especially. More than 50-60% are red roses at this time.”

— Diogo Elias, CEO of Avianca Cargo (CBS News Miami)

“This adds significant dollars to the bouquets that are coming in. Every consumer is gonna have to face additional costs.”

— Christine Boldt, Executive Vice President, Association of Floral Importers of America (CBS News Miami)

“The mother, the wife, the girlfriend in Omaha, Nebraska, that gets their flowers for either Valentine's or Mother's Day, chances are those flowers passed through our airport. And that's something we take a lot of pride in.”

— Ralph Cutié, Director, Miami International Airport (CBS News Miami)

“Our rigorous process is vital to safeguarding the floral and agricultural industries, ensuring that our imported flowers are not introducing any pests or harmful diseases.”

— Daniel Alonso, Senior Official, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBS News Miami)

What’s next

Agricultural specialists at Miami International Airport will continue to process and inspect the influx of flower imports in the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day to ensure the safety and quality of the products.

The takeaway

Despite economic challenges like tariffs and higher shipping costs, the strong consumer demand for Valentine's Day flowers highlights Miami's vital role as a major hub for the U.S. floral industry. The surge in flower imports also demonstrates the resilience of romantic gift-giving traditions, even in the face of rising prices.