Maritime Industry Forms New Coalition for Stronger Voice
By John Finotti
Florida’s maritime transportation industry provides more than 350,000 good-paying jobs and contributes more than $70 billion to the state’s economy. From dockworkers and freight-forwarders to truckers and distribution center workers, international trade provides a significant segment of the Sunshine State’s economic well-being.
That is until now. Recognizing the need to form a united front, Florida’s maritime and transportation industries are coming together to create the Florida Maritime Leadership Coalition.
The Florida Maritime Leadership Coalition will offer a unified voice for Florida’s maritime industry on current issues facing the industry, such as security, fuel costs and infrastructure, and anticipated future issues such as new and increased taxes and fees. By working together under one umbrella, the industry will elevate its issues and concerns above the local level and/or single industry to those with statewide importance.
Approximately 45 industry and governmental leaders from across the state participated in the discussion, which focused on crucial issues that are impacting Florida’s $73.4 billion maritime industry.
Port security issues were one of the primary motivations for creating the coalition.
Florida’s maritime industry, including port directors, company management and labor leaders, have argued that requiring Florida port workers any safer.
In 2006, $72.6 billion worth of goods moved through Florida seaports – two-thirds of the state’s international trade. And recent study found that Florida ports create 350,000 direct and indirect jobs with an average annual salary of $44,000, well above the state average of $32,000.
As part of its mission, the Maritime Leadership Coalition will focus on Educating Florida’s elected officials and the public about the economic importance of the state’s vast maritime transportation industry.
Rubin reports that the initial response from maritime industry representative about joining the group has been positive.