DeSantis Awards $9 Million for Boat Building Facilities at Port of Pensacola

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced 9 million in awards to the city of Pensacola to support the construction of a pair of boat building facilities at the Port of Pensacola as part of Florida's Job Growth Grant Fund while speaking at a press conference in the city this week.

The funding also includes site development, utilities, and facility construction.

Gov. DeSantis said the facilities will encompass 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space at the port, including for Navy ship modules for submarines and surface ships up to 400 feet long. He also added the site will bring approximately 2,000 manufacturing related jobs in the shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing industry. 

"We have a proud history of shipbuilding. I think, as many people know, in Florida we are the top maritime state in the United States of America, and of course, a major hub for the for the U.S. Navy," DeSantis said. 

Gov. DeSantis noted Florida's 21 overall military installations and 16 deep water seaports in its lead, adding the seaports contribute to 20 billion in gross domestic product and over a million direct or indirect jobs. He also emphasized Florida's #1 ranking in workforce development.

"We also have the strongest maritime industrial base jobs, ship and boat building establishments, and we're proud of that. But we're not going to rest on our laurels," DeSantis added. 

DeSantis also mentioned Florida's lead in recreational boating.

Notably, DeSantis served in the U.S. Navy as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer from 2004 to 2010. He also served in the Navy Reserve afterward.

"We're not only bolstering our maritime industry, but supporting national security and ensuring the United States remains a force in maritime dominance on the world stage. And as a former naval officer, that means a lot to me," DeSantis said. 

Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly thanked DeSantis and several other partners, including Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves, for their support.

"Over 20% of the nation's ship and boat builders are in this state. When you think about the kind of manufacturing capacity, the specific type of manufacturing capacity that's going to be added here is the kind of manufacturing capacity that supports other shipyards," Kelly said.