ECONOMIC IMPACT OF
BOATING & FISHING
IN SOUTH FLORIDA
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the boating industry in Florida has a $23.3 billioneconomic impact to the state, supporting 6,091 businesses across the state and accounting for 92,211 jobs. There are more than 925,000 registered boats in Florida and more than $3 billion in annual retail sales of new boats, engines and accessories.
Florida is considered by many to be the recreational fishing capital of the world. Recreational fishing in Florida is incredibly valuable and depends on clean water and healthy habitats. In a 2009 report by Dr. Tony Fedler, recreational freshwater and saltwater fishing—in just the Everglades region—accounts for $1.2 billion in economic activity. In a 2017 scientific publication by Poudel et al., recreational fishing statewide in Florida has a nearly $9 billion total contribution to the economy.