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 Currently the 2010 Legislative Session has four bills dealing with working waterfronts. We strongly support Representative Julio Robaina’s(R- Miami) bill, HB 73, and Senator Charlie Dean’s (R- Statewide) bill, SB 346. On behalf of the Save Our Waterfronts Coalition, we thank Rep. Robaina and Senator Dean for filing this legislation.
Also there are two proposed committee bills, SB 1408 by the Senate Finance & Tax Committee and HB 7127 by the House Finance and Tax Council. There are problems with SB 1408 and HB 7127 due to the expanded scope of the bill in relation to the original constitutional amendment passed in 2008 by over 70% of the popular vote.
Below you will find a copy of all four bill summaries as well as the status of these bills.
Economic Impact
- Florida cannot afford to lose its marine industry, which contributes significantly more economic output than both Florida's citrus and cruise ship industries combined.
- Each year, Florida's marine industry contributes more than $18 billion to Florida's economy and provides 220,000 jobs.
- Unlike other businesses, the marine industry cannot relocate easily as they are dependent on direct access to the water
- Tourism is Florida's #1 industry and has a $57 billion impact on our state each year. Working waterfronts are a critical link connecting residents and tourists with Florida's abundant fish, wildlife and other natural resources by providing public access to the state's navigable waters.
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For more information go to the 