A Connected Ocean Economy

Established by the Florida Legislature in 2024, the Florida Office of Ocean Economy was created to strengthen the state’s position as a global leader in ocean-linked industries. Housed at Florida Atlantic University, the Office was statutorily charged with advancing economic development through the sustainable use and stewardship of Florida’s ocean and coastal resources. Recognizing the importance of ocean-related sectors to the state’s long-term prosperity, the Legislature directed the Office to lead efforts in data coordination, workforce alignment, innovation acceleration and statewide strategy development.

The Florida Office of Ocean Economy serves as a centralized hub to strengthen and grow the state’s ocean economy. By bringing together stakeholders, streamlining access to information and aligning efforts across business, research, workforce, capital and policy, we create the structure needed to accelerate innovation and commercialization, support quality job creation and economic mobility and generate opportunities that benefit every Floridian.

 

Mission and Vision

Mission: To connect the state’s ocean and coastal resources to economic development strategies that grow, enhance or contribute to the ocean economy.

Vision: An ocean economy that delivers opportunity, security and prosperity for every Floridian.

 

Our Core Focuses

The Florida Office of Ocean Economy focuses its efforts across five core areas that are essential to unlocking the full potential of the state’s ocean economy. These focus areas guide our strategy, investments and partnerships to ensure Florida remains competitive, resilient and prosperous, now and for generations to come.

 

Business and Entrepreneurship

The engine behind Florida’s ocean economy. We support and grow ocean-focused enterprises, from traditional marine industries and tourism to ocean tech startups, powering job creation, innovation and long-term economic resilience.

 

Research, Innovation and Impact 

The propeller of discovery, advancement and security. We power scientific discovery, innovation and commercialization that advance sustainability, strengthen national defense, boost coastal resilience and position Florida as a global leader in the ocean economy.

 

Talent, Training and Workforce Development

The crew that keeps Florida’s ocean economy moving. We prepare, attract and retain the current and next generations through targeted strategies, training and education to support quality jobs across every sector of the ocean economy.

Policies for Florida’s Future

The compass guiding long-term strategy. We shape forward-thinking policies that align ocean industry growth with environmental stewardship, community resilience and Florida’s global competitiveness, working alongside local governments, industry leaders and research institutions to ensure coordinated and effective action across the state.

 

Investment and Access to Capital

The fuel that drives Florida’s ocean economy forward. We expand access to funding, financing and strategic investment across the ocean economy. From early-stage ventures to large-scale infrastructure, we help unlock the capital needed to grow resilient industries, modernize coastal assets and attract long-term private and public investment.