Florida Oceans Day 2026: From Shoreline to Statehouse
Organizer: Florida Institute of Oceanography, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, and Florida Ocean Alliance
Date and Time: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM ET
Location:
The Florida Capitol, South Plaza (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
United States
The Florida Historic Capitol Museum (5:30 PM – 7:30 PM)
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
United States
Format and Highlights:
- Duration: Full-day event (Member Exhibits: 5.0 hours; Reception: 2.0 hours)
- Format: In person
About This Event:
Florida Oceans Day 2026 takes place in Tallahassee with a full day of activities centered on advancing the state’s ocean prosperity. The day features the Florida Institute of Oceanography’s Member Exhibits and Fish Fry at the Capitol Plaza, followed by the Mote Legislative Reception at the Historic Capitol Museum.
This annual event convenes members, stakeholders, officials, and legislators to foster a shared commitment to preserving Florida’s marine and coastal resources while recognizing their critical contribution to sustaining a robust blue economy. This year’s theme, “From Shoreline to Statehouse: Advancing Florida’s Ocean Prosperity,” emphasizes ongoing efforts to ensure the long-term health and vitality of the state’s coasts and oceans.
What to Expect:
- Morning and afternoon member exhibits showcasing Florida’s oceanographic research and initiatives
- Traditional Fish Fry at the Capitol Plaza
- Evening legislative reception for networking with policymakers and marine science leaders
- Opportunities to engage with stakeholders on ocean conservation and blue economy priorities
Contact or Registration:
Nicole Mendez, Florida Institute of Oceanography: nmmendez@usf.edu or (727) 553-1100
Kevin Claridge, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: kclaridge@mote.org or (941) 388-4441 ext. 275
For more information, please visit: General 1 — Florida Ocean Alliance