economy of the everglades
Restoring America's Everglades will do more than restore Florida's environment, it will also bolster our economy. A study commissioned by the Everglades Foundation reported that every dollar committed to Everglades restoration will yield a $4 return on investment. In total, this could amount to up $46.5 billion in gains to Florida's economy and the creation of more than 440,000 jobs over the next fifty years.

Did you know that one in three Floridians get their daily drinking water supply from the Everglades?

Restoring America's Everglades is the only way for Florida to ensure the long-term health of its residents, ecosystems, and economy. If properly funded and implemented, the water quality improvement and water storage projects encompassed in Everglades restoration will provide a clean water supply for 6 million residents. It's more than just ecosystem health - it's public health! Without restoring the Everglades, the financial cost of supplying our residents and businesses with clean water will be astronomical burden to future generations.

Not only does the Everglades supply a large portion of our drinkable water, it also accounts for thousands of jobs annually in the tourism, fishing and hunting industries. It is estimated that a restored Everglades would generate over 40,000 new jobs in the commercial and recreational fish industries, and over 270,000 construction jobs.

The bottom line is as crystal clear as the iconic flowing waters of the River of Grass: restoring America's Everglades makes good economic sense for Florida.

Back to Florida Currents