These junctures between land and water provide access to the resources of the sea, hubs for trade and transportation, and valuable space for water-dependent enterprises.
People also value waterfronts as locations for housing, entertainment, and tourism.
As the original settlements of many cities and towns, waterfronts are often living museums filled with reminders of the traditions, culture, and architecture of America's colonial and industrial times. Although waterfronts are an important element of community development, many have suffered from economic decline, resource degradation, and physical neglect. Working waterfronts, where shipping and commercial fishing once flourished, have lost business due to technological changes, economic restructuring, and lack of investment. In Florida, affected communities will face pressures to redevelop their waterfronts as the population continues to grow and demand for developable waterfront property increases. Redevelopment proposals, unless carefully planned and coordinated, may create local conflict, confusion, and disappointment with the long-term results.