August 25, 2026 – According to a comprehensive article recently published in FLORIDA TODAY, every $1 we spend on restoring the Indian River Lagoon generates $24 in return. As 71% of the IRL lies in Brevard County, we have a significant economic interest in its health.
Other key points in the article:
- The Indian River Lagoon generates $28.3 billion annually in local economic impacts, a 2025 study found
- The lagoon’s economic impact supports over 128,000 jobs and adds $14 billion in GDP to local and state economies.
- Pollution from development, septic systems, and fertilizer runoff continues to threaten the lagoon’s health and economic value.
This information comes from a study by the Balmoral Group conducted on behalf of the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program.
The lagoon’s economic impact includes $17 billion in direct spending at local businesses; $5.8 billion in indirect economic activity; and $4 billion in induced economic impacts.
Combined, these sectors add $14 billion in Gross Domestic Product to the local, regional and state economies; support 128,400 jobs and $8.3 billion in wages annually.
The study looked at a seven-county region with a population of 3,495,843 people, including Brevard, Volusia, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach and Okeechobee counties.
Using resources to bring the IRL back is not only a clear moral choice, it turns out to be a smart financial move, as well.
Read the full article at FLORIDA TODAY.