[FE1067] Economic Value of Florida Water Resources: Value Derived by Tourists and Recreationists from Freshwater-Based Recreation

This paper is a part of an EDIS series “Economic Value of Florida Water Resources”. The paper reviews results from economic studies examining the value that tourists and visitors derive from freshwater-based recreation in Florida. This value is only one type of benefit that people derive from water resources. Still, it can be used to illustrate the importance of investing in water resource protection and restoration. Six studies were found that examine the value of freshwater-based recreation in Florida. Four out of the six studies focus on spring-based recreation, and two discuss recreation in large regions associated with Apalachicola and St. Johns River. The reader can select the study that is most relevant to the region s/he works in. We also present data estimated for the southern U.S. states that may also be relevant to Florida.