Mr Romney polled 47%, but rival Newt Gingrich, who only managed 32%, says he has no intention of dropping out.

Florida's primary was the biggest of the 2012 election season so far and saw a bitter TV ad battle between the men hoping to take on Barack Obama.

Exit polls indicated the economy was the key issue for a majority of voters.

Exit polling saw Mr Romney lead his main rival on a host of issues - including his likely handling of the economy. The data also suggested he appealed to a broad range of Florida Republican voters, including the state's crucial Hispanic population.

Mr Gingrich narrowly won the support of evangelicals and pro-life voters, but saw Mr Romney win the backing of a majority of Tea Party sympathisers.

Fellow candidates Rick Santorum and Ron Paul are also seeking to become the Republican nominee and challenge Mr Obama in November's general election.

Neither candidate campaigned hard in Florida, and they gave their election night speeches from Nevada, where the next contest takes place on Saturday.

Mr Santorum finished third in Florida, with 13%, and Mr Paul fourth with 7% of the vote.

A victory for Mr Romney in the Sunshine State gives him his second win, after the New Hampshire primary, and sees him claim all of Florida's 50 nominating delegates.

A total of 1,144 delegates are needed for a candidate to win the Republican nomination.

bbc.com