Outdoor recreation is a $38.3 billion dollar industry in Florida, according to a study done by the Outdoor Industry Association. The industry creates 329,000 jobs, $10.7 billion in wages, and $2.5 billion in state and local tax revenue. Florida is second only to California.
“Americans spend almost twice as much on outdoor recreation as they spend on pharmaceuticals each year,” Will Manzer, chair of the OIA Board of Directors said. “And outdoor recreation supports twice as many jobs as the oil and gas industry.”
OIA supports over 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailers of outdoor recreation clothing, shoes, equipment and services.
The outdoor recreation industry proved itself by standing strong through the recession, when many Americans have to choose wisely where to spend their money. If you love the outdoors, you may want to consider investing in your passion by opening a business in this industry because more and more people are escaping the big city to experience the outdoors.
*Image courtesy of Stockfreeimages.com
