Cargo activity through the Port of Jacksonville generates 206,927 jobs in Florida and supports $33 billion in annual economic output for the region and state, according to a newly released study.
| The study, citing double-digit growth in the port’s total statewide job impact over the last five years, was conducted by Martin Associates, a widely recognized maritime research firm. In the Jacksonville area, the study concludes that 28,194 people are employed in port-dependent positions—direct, indirect, and induced jobs relying on the port. Statewide, cargo activity through Jacksonville’s seaport supports 206,927 jobs, a nearly 50 percent increase over a previous study conducted in 2018. The port’s total economic value of $33 billion has also increased by 6 percent during this time. Port-dependent jobs pay an average annual salary of $76,356, well above the state of Florida average salary for all occupations of $55,980. “The investment in port infrastructure and the initiation of the St. Johns River Deepening Project has resulted in job growth over the 2018-2023 period,” the report concluded. “This type of investment has led to increased diversification of the markets and cargoes served by JAXPORT, in turn providing high-paying jobs in the local community and generating state and local tax revenue.” The study concludes that in 2023, cargo activity at Jacksonville’s seaport generated $2.9 billion in business revenue, including $864.2 million in wages, $966.8 million in business purchases and $325 million in state and local taxes. |
Cruise Industry’s Economic Impact in Northeast Florida
The cruise industry in Jacksonville is responsible for more than 870 jobs and more than $211 million in annual economic impact for Northeast Florida, according to Martin Associates. These numbers will grow by an additional 336 jobs and $76 million in annual economic impact when a second cruise service begins calling Jacksonville in the fall of 2025.
In 2023, nearly 195,000 passengers set sail from JAXPORT. Seventy-five percent were visitors to the Jacksonville area, and nearly three-quarters stayed in a hotel room before or after their stay. Passengers hail from 40 states, the District of Columbia and overseas.
Manufacturing and Distribution
The Time is Now: A Manufacturing and Distribution Opportunity for Florida