Fort Lauderdale Unveils Ocean Economy Vision at Boat Show

UPDATE: The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, held from October 29 to November 2, 2023, has spotlighted the city’s ambitious plans to become a leader in the global ocean economy. City officials, including Commissioner Ben Sorensen, are calling for a collaborative approach to harness the vast potential of Fort Lauderdale’s waterways.

This initiative is particularly urgent as Broward County and Nova Southeastern University (NSU) join forces to position the region as a hub for ocean-linked industries. The establishment of Florida’s new Office of Ocean Economy at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is set to propel this vision forward, emphasizing Fort Lauderdale’s unique capabilities in marine innovation.

The ocean economy is a significant driver of national growth, contributing over $511 billion to the U.S. GDP in 2023 and supporting millions of jobs. Fort Lauderdale’s extensive network of canals—spanning 165 miles—coupled with its world-class marine industries, positions it as a prime candidate to lead this burgeoning sector.

Port Everglades, a crucial component of this economic engine, generates approximately $28.1 billion in annual business activity and supports over 200,000 jobs across Florida. The city is committed to leveraging this infrastructure to foster both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

In April 2025, Fort Lauderdale appointed its first chief waterways officer, aligning various initiatives under one leadership umbrella. Recent efforts include the planting of over 100 new mangroves at local parks to enhance shoreline protection and water quality. The city’s partnership with Miami Waterkeeper has expanded water quality testing, ensuring safer waterways for residents and visitors alike.

Looking ahead, Fort Lauderdale aims to enhance its ocean economy initiatives with several key projects. Within the next year, the city plans to launch a public Waterways Dashboard, providing real-time data on tides, salinity, and temperature. This transparency will benefit boaters, families, and scientists alike.

The city is also focused on building a skilled workforce through partnerships with local schools and industries. By creating clear pathways from education to employment in marine services and technology, Fort Lauderdale hopes to connect local talent to the ocean economy.

Officials emphasize that the ocean economy should be inclusive, inviting NGOs, agencies, and partners from across the Caribbean and Latin America to collaborate. Robin Cooper, dean of the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences at NSU, supports this vision, stating that the region’s diverse marine ecosystems and research capabilities can drive significant advancements.

With the world’s largest in-water boat show now concluded, thousands have witnessed Fort Lauderdale’s commitment to becoming a beacon of marine innovation. As the city continues to develop its ocean economy strategy, it seeks to demonstrate that prosperity and environmental preservation can coalesce.

The coming days will be critical as Fort Lauderdale works to turn its ambitious vision into reality. The community is poised to not only lead the ocean economy but also to showcase how collaboration can yield sustainable growth.