Since 1979, one of the major economic issues in Florida has been the 

 tourist industry. Although tourism has been confronted with inflation and 

 high energy costs, the industry is still strong and the natural resources that 

 provide recreation for tourists must be protected. 



STATE OF FLORIDA OVERVIEW 



Compared to the Nation as a whole, the population growth of Florida over 

 the past 30 years has been a dramatic one. The U.S. population grew 45% from 

 1950 to 1979, but Florida's population grew over 300% (2.7 million to 9.2 

 million). Part of Florida's increase was caused by the influx of retirees. 

 The number of retirees in the population increased from 11% to 18% in 1960-79 

 (9% to 11% nationwide). 



The population of Florida in 1980 was 9.7 million, a 43.7% increase since 

 1970. The average rate of increase was 3.7% per year (1980 U.S Census data 

 from Florida State University computer tape). In the 1970's, Florida was the 

 third fastest growing state in the country behind Nevada and Arizona. Despite 

 the 1980 recession, tourism in Florida did not decline as it did in the reces- 

 sion in 1974-75. In 1974, there was a decline in out-of-state cars, but the 

 number of tourist arrivals actually increased. As gasoline prices and the 

 cost of air travel increase, combined with the slow growth in real income, 

 tourism in Florida is likely to level off. The tourist predictions for 1981 

 are about 33.3 million, a 1.7% increase over 1980. 



In 1989, Florida can expect over 48.4 million tourists. This is 15.3 

 million more visitors than in 1979. The annual projected tourist growth rate 

 in 1979-89 is 3.9% compared to 6.6% for the previous decade. 



The impacts of recreation and tourism on Florida's economy are reflected 

 by the sales of nondurable goods. Sales of recreation related nondurable 

 goods ($10 billion statewide) were 18% of total taxable sales in 1979. The 

 1989 forecast shows $30 billion or 18.72% of the State total. Recreation non- 

 durable taxable sales in Florida were $2.7 billion in 1968, $3.4 billion in 

 1970, $5.8 billion in 1975, and $8.6 billion in 1978. 



Florida has become the mecca for outdoor recreation seekers throughout 

 the United States and it is rapidly becoming one of the most popular winter 

 vacation spots for Europeans and other foreigners as well (Florida Department 

 of Natural Resources 1981). Each year over 33 million tourists visit Florida 

 to take part in outdoor recreation and as Florida's population grows, there 

 will be a need for additional outdoor recreation services and facilities. 

 Although residents in urban areas engage in user-oriented recreation more than 

 resource-oriented recreation, urbanites are expected to make greater demand on 

 resource-based recreation in the future, which will require further public 

 purchase of the natural lands and waters. 



Florida's climate is temperate in the northern part of the State to sub- 

 tropical or tropical in the south. Year-round temperatures are suitable for 

 outdoor recreation throughout the State (Figure 1). Florida has over 54,000 

 mi2 of land area and 15,000 mi^ of territorial waters and estuaries. Terri- 

 torial waters make up 85% of the total and estuaries (bays, lagoons, and 

 marshes) make up the other 15%. 



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