Measuring the Value of Florida's Coast

A newly issued study from Florida's Department of Environmental Protection begins to uncover just how profoundly Florida's economy is tied to the health of its coastal and ocean resources.

Some tantalizing facts and figures:

• During the period 1990 to 2003 Florida's coastal economy grew at a faster rate than the coastal economy of California, the Gulf States and the nation: at 31% employment growth, 48% for wages, and 63% for GSP


• In 2003, shoreline counties contributed more than 70% of all employment, population, and housing in the state with only 56% of the land area


• Florida ranks number one among the nation’s destinations for Americans that swim, fish, dive, and otherwise enjoy the state’s many beaches, coastal wetlands, and shores. More than 22 million people visited the Florida coasts in 2000.


• Florida's ocean economy will grow strongly during the next decade led by employment in the ocean tourism and recreation sector. Employment projections from 2005-2015 predict a 73% growth and show more than 268,000 new jobs.