The devastating storms in 2024 and the effective and efficient statewide response to storm recovery showcased the importance of continuing statewide funding support for Resilient Florida. The next challenge is in preparing our vulnerable communities to handle increasingly stronger weather events and sea level rise. Florida’s economic viability depends on healthy oceans and coasts to protect our citizens, property, and businesses.

As a state known for its outstanding and invaluable marine and coastal resources, Florida’s economic future relies on a vibrant and sustainable Blue Economy for economic resilience and stability. Therefore, it is up to Florida policymakers to address the challenges of climate change on our coasts and communities in order to strengthen coastal resilience - a critical to step in safeguarding Florida’s economic future.

With visionary leadership, Florida now has a historic opportunity to proactively protect and restore its valuable ocean and coastal resources and thus take full advantage of the economic opportunities and innovation they provide. Florida Ocean Alliance’s Priorities support the ocean and coastal priorities of the Governor, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The Florida Ocean Alliance (FOA) responded to the request for information on the U.S. Ocean Climate Action Plan (OCAP) from the NOAA Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), October 2022.

Florida is truly an ocean state with a lengthy coastline and an invaluable marine environment that are accessible to all residents. Highlighted in this Dispatch is one of the Strategic Plan’s priority recommendations – to continue to expand and grow Florida’s Blue Economy and increase jobs in its related coastal and ocean industries.

As Florida recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical to focus on the opportunities offered by the state’s invaluable Blue Economy. These opportunities and the bold actions are outlined in the 2020 Strategic Plan “Securing Florida’s Blue Economy: A Strategic Plan for Florida’s Oceans and Coasts.” Implementation of the Plan will result in economic expansion and improved resilience.

Florida’s Blue Economy is based on its ocean and coastal resources. It is large, diversified, and critical to the state’s prosperity and people’s quality of life. However, due to declining water quality, damaged natural habitats, and vulnerability of both human-built and natural infrastructure, Florida's Blue Economy is at risk.