For Immediate Release: July 29, 2021
Contact: Governor’s Press Office, (850) 717-9282, Media@eog.myflorida.com
Governor DeSantis Announces $250 Million to Support Economic Recovery for Florida Ports
Florida ports provide major economic impact of $117.6 billion, and support 900,000 jobs in Florida
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced $250 million in funding for Florida’s ports to assist in recovery from decreased revenue in 2020, and to invest in infrastructure at Florida’s ports. Florida’s ports generate an economic impact of $117.6 billion and support 900,000 jobs.
“Not only are Florida ports a key economic driver for their surrounding communities, but also for our state as a whole,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “From the cruise industry, to cargo, to supporting military operations, our ports provide nearly 1 million jobs for Floridians. This $250 million investment in our ports is a commitment to our future economic prosperity for generations to come.”
“The impact seaports have on every region in our state is enormous and, under the Governor’s leadership, the state continues to make key investments in our transportation network to keep our state moving forward and ensure that goods make it to consumers efficiently,” said FDOT Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. “The funding announced today will have lasting positive impacts and significantly assist our seaport partners, as well as their surrounding communities.”
This funding is specifically to support the financial recovery of Florida’s ports through the America Rescue Plan and the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund. The $250 million in funding announced by Governor DeSantis is outlined below:
| Seaport | Amount |
|---|---|
| Port Canaveral | $72,205,076 |
| Port Everglades | $58,260,881 |
| JAXPORT | $13,716,224 |
| Port Manatee | $4,885,564 |
| PortMiami | $66,901,040 |
| Port of Fernandina | $806,772 |
| Port of Fort Pierce | $806,772 |
| Port of Key West | $5,018,855 |
| Port of Palm Beach | $4,050,839 |
| Port of Panama City | $806,772 |
| Port of Pensacola | $806,772 |
| Port of St. Joe | $806,772 |
| Port St. Pete | $806,772 |
| Port Tampa Bay | $20,120,889 |
| Total | $250,000,000 |
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The Florida Department of Transportation’s mission is to provide a safe transportation system that ensures the mobility of people and goods, enhances economic prosperity and preserves the quality of the state’s environment and communities. The department is committed to building a transportation system that not only fits the current needs of Florida’s residents and visitors but also enhances mobility throughout the state to accommodate its consistent and rapid growth. The unique nature of the Sunshine State and its year-round warm climate provides numerous opportunities to achieve the department’s mission through multiple transportation modes including highways/streets, air, rail, sea, spaceports, transit, and the ever-expanding deployment of bicycle & pedestrian facilities.