Florida TaxWatch report: Fishing contributes $5 billion to state economy

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Fishing is a $5 billion industry in Florida, according to the latest Economic Commentary report from Florida TaxWatch. 

In 2013, more than 1.2 million non-residents fished during a visit to Florida. In addition to attracting anglers from around the world to fish, Florida hosts boating and fishing expos throughout the year, drawing visitors and their tax dollars to the state economy. 

“Florida’s unique location and variety of fishing opportunities position the state as the world leader in sport fishing tourism,” said Dominic Calabro, president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch. 

Florida fishing helps support many industries that impact the state economy, including retail, manufacturing and research, in addition to the impact on tourism. More than half of the $5 billion fishing industry expenditures come from non-angler related expenses. 

“Sport fishing has a direct impact on Florida’s economy,” said Jerry D. Parrish, Ph.D., Chief Economist and Executive Director of the TaxWatch Center for Competitive Florida. “The impact of fishing on industries outside of tourism is often overlooked.” 

Additionally, Florida generated $36.2 million during FY 2011-12 from the issuance of freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses, revenues which help to keep fish populations sustainable and ensures the continuation of the fishing industry.  

You can view the Economic Commentary here.

Peter Schorsch is the President of Extensive Enterprises and is the publisher of some of Florida’s most influential new media websites, including SaintPetersBlog.com, FloridaPolitics.com, ContextFlorida.com, and Sunburn, the morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. SaintPetersBlog has for three years running been ranked by the Washington Post as the best state-based blog in Florida. In addition to his publishing efforts, Peter is a political consultant to several of the state’s largest governmental affairs and public relations firms. Peter lives in St. Petersburg with his wife, Michelle, and their daughter, Ella.