Florida Maritime Industry Encourages Vets

On Wednesday, June 4, the Port of Jacksonville will host a “Military to Maritime” event to help current and former members of the military transition to a career in the domestic maritime industry. 

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement today highlighting Florida’s robust domestic maritime industry and urging veterans to take advantage of its opportunities:

“Florida's maritime industry is a national leader in economic opportunity and job creation, and it plays a critical part in our nation's infrastructure. Not only does this vibrant industry provide good paying jobs across various sectors in Florida, it also represents a natural fit for our veterans looking for a second career after they have dutifully served our country. I am thankful that the industry is working to support our veterans, and I encourage our heroes who have returned home to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

“It's also important that policy makers work to identify and eliminate unnecessary job obstacles that veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life. This is particularly important as it relates to encouraging employers and higher education entities to recognize how the skills and experience veterans developed in the service of our country can be applied in civilian careers.”

Statistics on the economic impact of Florida’s domestic maritime industry are below. More statistics are available here.

The state of Florida ranks second among all states with 52,140 American jobs tied to the domestic maritime industry. (Only Louisiana has slightly more.) Labor income related to the domestic maritime industry in Florida exceeds $2.97 billion annually.

Total gross economic output related to Florida’s domestic maritime industry is $9.69 billion annually, again second only to Louisiana.

Florida includes significant elements of all three major parts of the American domestic maritime industry – vessel operating companies, ship construction and repair yards, and maritime industry workers and retirees. Also, the American commercial maritime industry works closely with the U.S. Navy throughout the state of Florida.

Florida’s 4th Congressional District, including Jacksonville, is third among all U.S. Congressional Districts with 9,670 American domestic maritime industry jobs. Florida’s 5th Congressional District, also representing the Jacksonville area, also ranks among the top districts in the U.S.

Domestic maritime cargo moves into Florida from 18 states, plus Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.