MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted the marine industry's economic impact on the state while announcing other boating initiatives at the Miami International Boat Show opening ceremony on Wednesday.
"Recreational boating is over 31 billion dollars annually for this state. That's a 53 percent increase just since 2018 alone," DeSantis said. "We have 7,000 marine businesses here in the state of Florida. Over 100,000 jobs across the state. We consistently ranked as was mentioned number one in marine expenditures and boat registrations."
DeSantis also called Florida the "fishing and boating capital of the United States."
In showing its support, the governor underscored the importance of the state's sales tax holiday on the industry. Focusing on freedom in prior years, DeSantis hoped the tax holiday would be renewed for 2025.
"It allows Floridians to purchase recreational supplies as well as engage in activities tax-free," DeSantis said. So fishing supplies, boating and water activities, other things you need to be able to enjoy being out on Florida waters."
In keeping with the state's mission to stay free, particularly on the water, DeSantis announced a Boater Freedom initiative.
"We want to establish a right to boat in the state of Florida by preempting local regulations that ban the sale or use of boats based on fuel sources," DeSantis said. "People are moving away from doing this by going against the gas-powered cars, we've already done that for cars, but we also need to make sure for boats."
He noted Floridians "don't need to be driving an electric boat if you don't want to."
Moreover, DeSantis called to end a current Florida law that allows state and local law enforcement to pull a boater over despite no probable cause or suspected violation.
"People who are just out enjoying themselves when there's no indication that anything is wrong, they should not be subjected to these intensive searches," DeSantis said.
DeSantis also addressed the upcoming spring break holiday, which typically brings tons of college students to the Miami Beach area.
"We've enjoyed working with officials down here in Miami Beach on a number of issues, but particularly more recently to make sure we preserve the quality of life through the spring break time period," DeSantis said. "We are not going to have our streets overrun, we're not going to have businesses threatened or damaged, and we're gonna make sure the people are going to be able to enjoy being down here."
Summing up the morning, DeSantis announced a record-breaking 143 million travelers came to the state in 2024, including 30 million in the fourth quarter alone.
"We are really excited that our tourism industry industry is humming," DeSantis said.
The boat show brings in over 100,000 visitors annually and generates nearly $1 billion in economic impact to the state. It also exhibits more than 1,000 boats and brands.
The Miami International Boat Show runs from Feb. 12-16.
