TAMPA, Fla. – Florida’s 15 seaports have created 200,000 new jobs since 2012, according to a new report from the Florida Ports Council. Florida’s seaports 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.
Gov. Rick Scott made the announcement Tuesday at Port Tampa Bay, which this year commissioned two new post-Panamax gantry cranes to help the port accommodate some of the largest container vessels in the world.
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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.
“Florida’s seaports are economic powerhouses that welcome the largest vessels from all over the world, feature state-of-the-art cargo and cruise terminals, and allow manufacturing and distribution throughout the state to thrive," Jacksonville Port Authority CEO Brian Taylor said. "The upcoming deepening projects at JaxPort and Port Everglades will increase our international competitiveness even further, enabling us to create and support more Florida jobs.”
Economic impacts of Florida ports from 2012 to 2016, according to the Florida Ports Council Report:
- Jobs: 700,000 to nearly 900,000 (more than 25 percent increase)
- Economic activity: $101.9 billion to $117.6 billion (more than 15 percent increase)
- State and local tax revenue generated: $2.4 billion to $4.3 billion
- Personal income: $30.3 billion to $40 billion (nearly 30 percent increase