The essential data on tourism in the Florida Keys come from two surveys conducted by NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries under the FKNMS Socioeconomic Monitoring Program for the Florida Keys. The surveys provide a reliable basis for comparison of two years more than a decade apart, 1995‐96 and 2007‐08. The total spending by tourists increased by 22% in constant 2008 dollars, from $1.63 billion in 1995‐96 to $1.99 billion in 2007‐08. The total contribution from tourism to the Monroe County economy, including multiplier effects, increased by 22.5% to $2.23 billion. The value generated by tourism represented about 60% of the local economy in both years, while its contribution to full‐time and part‐time employment increased from 46.5% to 55%. Tourism‐related employment grew by 47% from 21,800 to 32,000 persons.