(1) For purposes of this section, the term:(a) “Ocean economy” means the economic uses of ocean and coastal resources with a focus on sustainable practices that benefit the long-term outlook of relevant industry sectors and the competitive positioning of the state in a global economy, including, but not limited to, ocean industries, such as shipyards, marinas, marine terminals, piers, fishing, aquaculture, seafood processing, commercial diving, and marine transportation; floating and amphibious housing; tourism; and outdoor recreational activities, including, but not limited to, boating and industry sectors dependent on such activities.
(b) “Office” means the Office of Ocean Economy.
(2) The Office of Ocean Economy is created within the State University System to be housed at Florida Atlantic University. The office is created to connect the state’s ocean and coastal resources to economic development strategies that grow, enhance, or contribute to the ocean economy.
(3) The Office of Ocean Economy shall:(a) Develop and undertake activities and strategies with a focus on research and development, technological innovation, emerging industries, strategic business recruitment, public and private funding opportunities, and workforce training and education to promote and stimulate the ocean economy.
(b)1. Foster relationships and coordinate with state universities, private universities, and Florida College System institutions, including periodically surveying the development of academic research relating to the ocean economy across all disciplines and facilitating the transfer of innovative technology into marketable goods and services. The office shall encourage collaboration between state universities and Florida College System institutions that have overlapping areas of academic research.
2. Include and update on the office’s website information related to:a. An inventory of current research and current collaborations, including contact information; and
b. Any available resources for research and technology development, including financial opportunities.
(c) Collaborate with relevant industries to identify economic challenges that may be solved through innovation in the ocean economy, including commercializing or otherwise facilitating public access to academic research and resources, removing governmental barriers, and maximizing access to financial or other opportunities for growth and development.
(d) Develop and facilitate a pipeline for innovative ideas and strategies to be created, developed, researched, commercialized, and financed. This includes promotion and coordination of industry collaboration, academic research, accelerator programs, training and technical assistance, and startup or second-stage funding opportunities.
(e) Maintain and update on the office’s website reports and data on the number, growth, and average wages of jobs included in the ocean economy; the impacts on the number, growth, and development of businesses in the ocean economy; and the collaboration, transition, or adoption of innovation and research into new, viable ideas employed in the ocean economy.
(f) Educate other state and local entities on the interests of the ocean economy and how such entities may positively address environmental issues while simultaneously considering the economic impact of their policies.
(g) Communicate the state’s role as an integral component of the ocean economy by promoting the state on national and international platforms and other appropriate forums as the premier destination for convening on pertinent subject matters.
(4) By August 1, 2025, and each August 1 thereafter, the office shall provide to the Board of Governors, the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and post on its website a detailed report demonstrating the economic benefits of the office and the development of emerging ocean economy industries.
