Florida

Introduction

Land of palm trees, Mile Marker 0, sunshine, orange juice, manatees and the longest coastline in the Gulf region, Florida is unique in that it has both east and west waterfront. With the first settlers in mainland United States alighting there in the early 1500s, Florida has a long history of European and Native American cultures shaping the state, which altered boundaries many times throughout its history. The management of Florida marine resources is actually split down the middle, with the Florida Keys as the dividing point, but both sides of the state have large fisheries. On the Gulf side, Florida supports the largest fishing industry in the region, with more than $5 billion dollars in economic impacts generated, and 100,000 jobs related to the fishing industry. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is responsible for managing the fisheries in state waters. Fresh From Florida is housed under the Florida Department of Agriculture and is responsible for the promotion and marketing of Florida-harvested seafood.