A Connected Ocean Economy
Established by the ³Ô¹ÏÍø Legislature in 2024, the ³Ô¹ÏÍø Office of Ocean Economy was created toÌýstrengthen the state’s position as a global leader in ocean-linked industries. Housed at ³Ô¹ÏÍø, the Office was statutorily charged with advancing economic development through the sustainable use and stewardship of ³Ô¹ÏÍø’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 ³Ô¹ÏÍø 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 jobÌýcreation and economic mobility and generate opportunities that benefit every Floridian.
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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.
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Our Core Focuses
The ³Ô¹ÏÍø 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 ³Ô¹ÏÍø remains competitive, resilient and prosperous, now and for generations to come.
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Business and Entrepreneurship
The engine behind ³Ô¹ÏÍø’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.
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Research, Innovation and ImpactÌý
The propeller of discovery, advancementÌýand security. We power scientific discovery, innovation and commercialization that advance sustainability, strengthen national defense, boost coastal resilience and position ³Ô¹ÏÍø as a global leader in the ocean economy.
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Talent, Training and Workforce Development
The
crew
that keeps ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s ocean economyÌýmoving. 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 ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Future
The compass guiding long-term strategy. We shape forward-thinking policies that align ocean industry growth with environmental stewardship, community resilience and ³Ô¹ÏÍø’s global competitiveness, working alongside local governments, industry leaders and research institutions to ensure coordinated and effective action across the state.
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Investment and Access to Capital
The fuel that drives ³Ô¹ÏÍø’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.