News & Updates
Florida Ports Council Thanks Governor DeSantis for $250 Million Infusion of Federal Stimulus for Seaport Relief in Newly Signed State Budget
Florida’s 15 deep water seaports will soon see critical COVID-related financial relief, thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis’ signing of the 2021-2022 state budget.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant and ongoing economic impacts to Florida’s seaports, and this important investment will help ensure Florida’s ports continue to deliver necessities to businesses and consumers,” said Michael Rubin, Interim President and CEO, Florida Ports Council.
At Governor DeSantis’ recommendation, and with the support of Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin Thibault, the Florida Legislature allocated $250 million in federal stimulus to help shore up Florida’s seaport industry. Florida has lost an estimated 169,000 jobs and nearly $23 billion in economic activity through 2020 as a result of cruise ships being sidelined for 14 months.
“On behalf of Florida’s 15 deep water seaports, we thank Governor DeSantis, Secretary Thibault, Senate President Wilson Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls for their leadership,” Rubin added.
FLORIDA’S SEAPORTS ECONOMIC IMPACT:
- 15 deep water seaports.
- Supporting 900,000 direct and indirect jobs, and
- $117.6 billion to Florida’s economy through cargo and cruise activities.
- Generating approximately 13 percent of Florida’s GDP, and
- $4.2 billion in state and local taxes.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA PORTS COUNCIL:
The Florida Ports Council (FPC), is a Florida nonprofit corporation that serves as the professional association for Florida’s fifteen public seaports and their management. FPC is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of the fifteen port directors with staff support located in Tallahassee. We provide leadership through a collective voice in the areas of state and federal advocacy, data and research, and marketing and communication.