FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – As part of the job creation
initiative to stimulate the economy, the Longshore and
Harbor Workers' Compensation insurance requirement for
recreational marine service and repair businesses has
finally been removed, according to a recent statement
from the Marine Industries Association of South
Florida.
Last week, as a part of the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (HR 1), the U.S. House of
Representatives and Senate voted to implement a no cost
modification to the Longshore and Harbor Workers'
Compensation Act. The provision will ensure the
stability and future of the recreational marine industry
throughout the nation and particularly in the State of
Florida, the association reported.
"This is a significant accomplishment for the
recreational marine industry," said MIASF president JJ
McConnell. "It will result in valuable economic relief
for our industry and MIASF is proud to have been in the
forefront of the campaign to bring about this much
needed change for our members."
The economic impacts of this technical correction will
be felt nationwide, according to MIASF. Many marine
industry jobs were being lost to international
competition in the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada. This
relief will save small businesses on average over $100K
annually, which will allow the businesses to insure
their workers under the state comp system and retain and
create American jobs, the association reported.
Kristina Hebert, MIASF Past President and a third
generation business operator of Ward's Marine Electric
said, "Marine business operators, especially small
businesses like my family's who have had to carry the
burden of Longshore are very proud and appreciative of
Congresswoman Wasserman-Schultz and Congressman Klein's
efforts on our behalf."
“MIASF has spearheaded this legislative effort for eight
years but without the support of the industry's
congressional champions Congresswoman Debbie
Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) and Congressman Ron Klein
(D-FL) we would not have this success,” it
stated. “Their untiring dedication and passion for this
industry are the key reasons for achieving these amazing
results.”
MIASF suggested marine business operators contact their
insurance agent immediately to determine how this
legislative change affects their current policy. This
exclusion does not apply if you do not carry state
workers compensation insurance, MIASF added.
For more information, contact Kristina Hebert at
954-605-2138 at kristina@wardsmarine.com or Gordon
Connell at
gordon@miasf.org 954-494-7793.
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