Phil Purcell, CEO & President, Marine Industries Association of South Florida

May 2026 — Invest: spoke with Phil Purcell, president of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, about how the region’s marine sector is adapting to geopolitical and economic headwinds, expanding its world-class infrastructure, and strengthening its position as the nation’s premier hub for yachting, refit, and marine services. “South Florida is still the place where global owners want to bring their vessels because they know they can get everything done here, from engine work to interior refits to advanced electronics,” Purcell said.

What major developments or shifts have had the greatest impact on MIASF’s direction and priorities in the past 12 months?

This past year has been shaped by a combination of political and economic headwinds. Tariffs have become a new factor that our industry must actively mitigate,  especially when you consider how global our supply chain has become.  We created the first National Marine Foreign Trade Zone. Boats rely on complex networks of goods and services, and uncertainty around tariff structures creates planning issues for manufacturers, refit yards, and service providers. At the same time, broader economic volatility has presented challenges. That said, the business community has been incredibly supportive, both locally and nationally, which has helped stabilize the environment. 

How would you characterize the overall health and trajectory of South Florida’s marine industry, especially in relation to national and global marine markets?

South Florida remains the strongest and most influential marine industry hub in the United States. The marine industry represents an $18.5 billion industry in South Florida, and we are the anchor of that ecosystem. The 66th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show alone produced $1.8 billion in economic impact over five days last year, and we nearly matched — or slightly exceeded — that number this year.

It speaks to extraordinary resilience and demand. We’re also seeing significant redevelopment around our core marine districts, from Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach. Projects like the full renovation of Pier Sixty-Six at $2.5 billion, improvements at the convention center, a new Omni Hotel at $1.5 billion, and more than $1.5 billion in related infrastructure investments continue to elevate the region’s capacity and global competitiveness.

As demand evolves across sectors, what factors are driving that growth?

The strongest momentum continues to be in the larger-vessel segment. When you see a group like Blackstone acquiring Safe Harbor Marinas for $5.7 billion, including properties here in Fort Lauderdale, it signals long-term confidence in superyacht infrastructure. There is tremendous demand for larger berths, deeper channels, and expanded service capacity. Investment is flowing into these areas because owners want world-class facilities, and South Florida continues to attract the kind of capital required to modernize and expand those assets.

Given ongoing discussions around infrastructure, where do you see the greatest opportunities for improvement?

We’re seeing unprecedented private investment from individuals like Ken Griffin and other major stakeholders who are relocating significant operations to South Florida. Their presence reinforces the need for long-term planning around waterways, dredging, and capacity for the larger vessels that dominate the market, many of which, notably, are American-owned.

Digital infrastructure is another overlooked area for multiple listing services (MLS). Platforms that the industry relies on, whether for listings, visibility, or asset marketing, haven’t kept pace with AI. When companies raise their rates but don’t modernize their technology, it becomes untenable. A number of these platforms aren’t AI-compatible. Improving this digital ecosystem is essential for maintaining global reach and matching consumer expectations.

How is MIASF strengthening pathways into the industry and ensuring that marine careers remain attractive?

Workforce remains the No. 1 priority. We’re partnering closely with companies that support apprenticeships, high-school technical programs, and community college certifications. We’ve expanded our initiatives with local school districts, added more employer sponsors, and increased outreach to students and parents to highlight the quality and stability of marine careers. We compete with aviation, construction, and tech for talent, so we emphasize that ours is a high-skill, high-wage industry with clear advancement opportunities. The more we expose students to real workplace experiences — through paid internships, shipyard tours, and hands-on training — the greater the pipeline we build.

What new technologies, tools, or processes have emerged that are improving efficiency without replacing the skilled labor force?

Refit and repair is inherently hands-on. The geometry of a vessel, the confined spaces, the variability between hulls — robots simply can’t operate effectively in those environments. AI isn’t going to replace our workforce. What it can do is standardize processes and improve decision-making. We’re seeing AI used to streamline scheduling, track maintenance histories, and improve parts forecasting logistics. Digital tools are helping technicians access manuals, diagnostics, and service logs instantly. These efficiencies support the workforce rather than replace it, allowing skilled craftsmen and engineers to focus on the work that truly requires human hands.

How is MIASF encouraging members to adopt environmentally responsible technologies and practices across marinas, shipyards, and boat manufacturing?

Sustainability is a major focus. We crafted the Marine Research Hub, which brought in Katherine O’Fallon as the Executive Director. One of the signature annual events is the Ocean Exchange, held right before the boat show. It’s become one of the premier sustainability and innovation gatherings in the Southeast. One winner, Nicholas Flanders, showcased technology that converts carbon emissions back into usable fuel — a process that even aviation companies are adopting. With backing from investors like Bill Gates, these technologies are rapidly gaining traction. Events like Ocean Exchange bring seed funding, private equity, and strategic investors together, helping accelerate adoption across marinas, shipyards, and manufacturers in South Florida.

How is South Florida maintaining its edge as the world’s premier hub for yachting, refits, and year-round operations? 

Our competitive advantage lies in a combination of world-class infrastructure, leading marine companies, a skilled workforce, a year-round operating climate, and continuous private investment. Few regions can match the density of certified technicians, refit yards, marinas, and suppliers we have within a 60-mile radius.

On top of that, South Florida is still the place where global owners want to bring their vessels because they know they can get everything done here, from engine work to interior refits to advanced electronics. As long as we continue to invest in waterways, slip capacity, technology, and workforce development, we’ll maintain our position as the global capital of yachting and marine services.