Florida Gov. Rick Scott recently announced that Maverick Boat Group would be bringing approximately 100 new jobs to Florida as part of a new facility the company is building in Fort Pierce.

“I am proud to announce that Maverick Boat Group will be opening a new manufacturing facility which will create 100 new jobs for families in St. Lucie County," Scott stated in a news release. "By working to reduce burdensome regulations and cut taxes, like permanently eliminating the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment, we are making it easier for businesses like Maverick Boat Group to invest in our state. We will work to cut $180 million in taxes during the upcoming legislative session to ensure Florida remains the top destination for job creators.”

Florida continues to be the top state for boating, generating an estimated $2.5 billion in retail sales of new powerboats, outboard engines, boat trailers, and aftermarket accessories in 2016, up 8.1 percent from 2015.

The state is home to the Feb. 15 to Feb. 19, 2018, Miami International Boat Show, which contributes approximately $854.2 million to the Florida economy each year and supports an estimated 6,000 full time jobs in the state.

The new facility will house larger models and free up capacity at Maverick Boat Group’s existing 9.5-acre facility in Ft. Pierce, which will increase production and expand model offerings for each of the company’s four brands.

Construction of the new manufacturing facility will begin this summer, and Maverick Boat Group will continue manufacturing its Maverick, Cobia, Pathfinder and Hewes brands sold around the world at its current facility.

The new facility will add an additional 38 acres to the company's headquarters footprint.

Pete Tesch, president of the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County, said, Maverick Boat Group is one of the county’s largest private employers and a driving force in our economy. Directly and indirectly, retention of existing jobs already provides $173 million in sales output and payrolls combined on an annual recurring basis. New jobs will bring an additional recurring impact amounting to nearly $42 million each year.

"We’re very pleased that the company continues to choose St. Lucie as home for their permanent headquarters," Tesch said.

Maverick’s expansion, adjacent to the Treasure Coast International Airport, will create additional jobs and show other businesses that there is plenty of room to grow here in St. Lucie County, said St. Lucie County Commission Chairman Chris Dzadovsky.