FL S1756

Requires Florida's Office of Economic and Demographic Research to include a biennial evaluation of the state's "blue economy" in its annual assessment of water resources and conservation lands, beginning with the assessment due January 1, 2025

The evaluation must cover historical and current contributions of maritime industries including shipyards, marinas, marine terminals, fishing, aquaculture, seafood processing, commercial diving, marine transportation, floating and amphibious housing, tourism, and outdoor recreation such as boating

Requires identification and discussion of any growing, emerging, or new blue economy industries, as well as economic comparisons to other states with maritime industries

Beginning January 1, 2026, the evaluation must include an analysis of the blue economy's contributions to the state, including economic benefits as defined in existing law (s. 288.005)

The bill, sponsored by Senator Pizzo, amends s. 403.928, Florida Statutes, and has an effective date of July 1, 2024