Marine Industries

Known worldwide as the “Yachting Capital of the World,” Greater Fort Lauderdale enjoys a thriving recreational marine industry that contributes an economic impact of $9 billion in Broward County, and $12 billion in the South Florida region, according to the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), recipient of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance 2017 Economic Development Partner of the Year award.

Greater Fort Lauderdale's marine industry is comprised of world-class shipyards, marinas, manufacturing, wholesale and retail marine products, brokers, dockage, and every conceivable type of marine service, all supported by more than 142,000 jobs regionally - 111,000 in Broward County alone, with $4 billion in wages and earnings that are typically 16 percent higher than the state average. Approximately 2,000 mega-yachts (vessels measuring 80 feet or more) visit the county each year.

International and domestic crew on any size vessel can earn both regulatory and non-regulatory qualifications, from entry-level through senior management positions, from Greater Fort Lauderdale’s maritime training options. The Broward County public school district offers an educational development ladder that begins with a marine magnet program at New River Middle School, continues at South Broward High School and can culminate with certification at the marine service tech program at McFatter Technical College or the marine engineering and marine mechanics programs at Broward College.

Port Everglades

Located in the heart of Greater Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades is one of the world's busiest cruise ports and enjoyes the distinction of having the most homeported cruise ships. It is a homeport for Disney Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises' new Celebrity Ascent arrived at the port in 2023. Cruise traffic is estimated at more than 3.6 million guests for FY2024.

Port Everglades in 2023 reported $26.5 billion in economic activity, generating $925,431 million in state and local taxes and supporting over 192,500 jobs statewide.

The port has Florida's first and largest Foreign Trade Zone. It is the region's main seaport for receiving energy products, including gasoline, jet fuel and other petroleum products.

About 15% of all U.S.-Latin American trade moves throught Port Everglades, the number one refrigerated cargo port in Florida. Overall, the port's shoppers serve more than 150 ports in 70 countries around the world.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, owned by MIASF and produced by Informa Exhibitions, is the world’s largest in-water boat show with more than 1,300 boats, 1,000 exhibitors and more than 100,000 visitors from 52 countries. The 62nd Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show economic impact study concluded that the annual show contributes $1.79 billion to the state’s overall economy, with $710 million in direct sales, or more than 179.8 million each day! Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS)

Due to the size, scope, and popularity of the boat show, South Florida has become known as the yachting refit and repair capital of the world with a global reputation for excellence. Phil Purcell, MIASF's CEO/President said, “The economic impact of the boat show dwarfs that of any Super Bowl, and it happens year after year.”

For more marine industry and Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show information, visit www.miasf.org.

Marine Research Hub of South Florida   

Greater Fort Lauderdale is nationally recognized for its leadership in oceanographic research. In 2016, the South Florida Marine Research Hub® Consortium was founded to foster collaboration among research, education, business and economic development organizations. It establishes the region as a global leader in oceanographic research that is making, or may make, a positive impact on the health of the oceans and bring substantial benefits to the global population. 

Since October 2019, Fort Lauderdale hosts the Annual Ocean Exchange event, to recognize and help advance innovation in technologies aimed at the health of our oceans and the Blue Economy.

Founding members of the Marine Research Hub include Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, University of Miami, Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Miami-Dade Beacon Council and Marine Industries Association of South Florida.

For more information, please visit www.marineresearchhub.org. 

For information regarding business location and expansion in Greater Fort Lauderdale, please contact Todd Holt, the Alliance's Vice President of Business Development at 954-627-0124 or via email at [email protected].