Economic Impacts: Florida

200,000 New Jobs at Florida Seaports since 2012

Florida’s 15 seaports have created 200,000 new jobs across the state since 2012 according to a new report from the Florida Ports Council (FPC). They are also responsible for $117.6 billion in economic activity, supporting nearly 900,000 jobs, $40 billion in personal income and $4.3 billion in state and local tax revenue.

Governor Rick Scott made the announcement at Port Tampa Bay, which this year commissioned two new post-Panamax gantry cranes.

Since 2011, the state of Florida has invested more than $1 billion into Florida’s port system in order to increase capacity, compete with top ports across the nation, and expand Florida’s role as a global hub for trade. An additional $3.7 billion in state, local and private funding has been planned for port capital improvement projects over the next five years.

According to the FPC, port projects typically produce a return on investment of nearly $7 in state and local tax revenue for every $1 of investment. Florida’s seaports provide well-paying jobs in multiple sectors, including crane and terminal operators, truck drivers, distribution warehouse workers, and cargo loading, management and transportation.

"It’s great news that Florida seaports have added nearly 200,000 jobs for families across our state since 2012. Our 15 world-class seaports are not only a major economic engine for job creation in Florida, but they also help strengthen Florida’s position as the gateway to Latin America," said Governor Scott. "This great news shows the importance of continuing to make investments in our seaports and our transportation system so Florida can continue to be a leader in job creation and become a global hub for trade."