Nude Beaches Good For Florida's Economy

The Broward Legislative Delegation heard testimony on a range of issues Thursday: work force development, spaying and neutering pets, funding for Tri-Rail — and nude beaches. They're good for Florida's economy, said Richard Mason of the South Florida Free Beaches and the Florida Naturist Association, who asked Broward's state lawmakers to oppose any legislation that would force nude beaches to close.He said Haulover Beach in Miami-Dade County is an economic engine, drawing tourists from other states and countries to a place where they can enjoy a beach without the encumbrance of clothing. Twenty-seven percent of Haulover visitors come from outside Florida, Mason said. Mason termed Haulover "the most successful beach in the state of Florida."
He said it outdraws the Florida Marlins and Miami Dolphins combined — a comment that drew titters from the crowd. Mason also claimed enormous economic impact from Haulover, between $400 million and $800 million a year. Other people appearing got questions from the dozen legislators present; none asked anything about nude beaches.