FLIBS Worth $857 Million

Story by Craig Ritchie Jul. 20, 2016

A newly-released economic impact study conducted by Thomas J. Murray & Associates in conjunction with the University of Florida has concluded that the 2015 Annual Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) contributed a whopping $857 million to the Florida state economy.

The world’s largest in-water boat show, FLIBS covers seven locations with nearly 1,500 boats displayed across more than 3 million square feet of exhibit space. The show draws approximately 1,000 exhibitors from more than 30 countries that display an amazing array of boats, marine products and accessories valued at more than $4 billion.

“The economic impact of FLIBS dwarfs a Super Bowl, and it happens year after year, contributing to the sustainability of 136,000 marine industry jobs and $11.5 billion to the economy in the region,” said Phil Purcell, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. “Since 1961 FLIBS has consistently provided the critical economic certainty and job growth that our community and state both want and need.”

Major FLIBS financial contributions during the five days of its run include:

$857.3 million in economic output as a result of purchases and expenditures
$508.3 million in total sales by FLIBS participants
$51.2 million in sales and excise taxes
$304.3 million in statewide personal income and economic activity
An average expenditure of $208 per day by out-of-town visitor (hotels, restaurants, retail spending, local transportation)
58% of visitors were from outside the region, 54% were from outside Florida, including 10% foreign visitors

The full economic impact report can be found by visiting www.miasf.org.

The 2016 annual Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show is set to take place from November 3- to at the Bahia Mar Ft. Lauderdale Beach Hotel and Yachting Center, the Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Municipal Marina, Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina, Sails Marina, Hyatt Regency Pier 66 Marina and the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.