The Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) was represented at the Marine Industries Association of Florida (MIAF) 2026 Conference in St. Petersburg by Industry Liaison Patience Cohn and Membership & Events Coordinator Molly Ringberg.
Held August 25–26 at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, the conference brought together marine industry leaders and associations from across Florida with elected officials, government agencies, lobbyists, and other stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the industry and prepare for the year ahead.
Throughout the conference, discussions covered several topics relevant to Florida’s marine businesses and boating community, including protecting working waterfronts across the state; marine development, permitting, and the business outlook; property tax legislation and what it could mean for the marine industry; boating access and safety; and derelict vessel management, including utilization of the Vessel Turn-In Program.
The conference also provided an opportunity to look ahead to the 2027 legislative session and engage with marine industry partners from across the state on issues that will continue to shape Florida’s marine economy.
Advocacy is one of MIASF’s core values. The goal is to stay informed on developing issues, understand how they may affect the marine industry, and ensure South Florida’s marine community is represented in the conversations that help shape its future.