News & Updates

President’s Message: January 2022

Michael Rubin
President & CEO

Legislative session is once again underway in Florida’s Capitol, and that means an added focus on transportation and logistics. Thanks to investments by the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida’s seaports are demonstrating why they are a solution to the supply chain disruptions gripping our country.

Florida’s seaports are open for business, connecting commerce and ensuring that goods get from ship to shelf. There is no waiting time, and no mooring at sea for cargo vessels calling on Florida ports.

That’s not the case at seaports off the West Coast and in other parts of the country.

Just last week, as U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was touring the Port of Long Beach, there were hundreds of cargo vessels moored at sea, waiting day after day for an opportunity to offload cargo.

As a result, shipping lines from Asia to Germany and beyond, are inking agreements with Florida seaports to begin directing many of their cargo vessels to the Sunshine State. This effort to avoid the West Coast logjam is good for Florida’s port communities and for our state’s economy. Port Everglades, JAXPORT and PortMiami are among those seaports benefitting (see additional news items below).

On February 3, the Florida Ports Council will host Seaports Day at Florida’s Capitol, where we’ll have an opportunity to detail how cargo vessels and cargo containers are increasing significantly. Expect to hear from Florida’s top elected leaders, who have stood firmly by the side of our seaports throughout our efforts to encourage shipping lines to reroute to Florida.

Seaports Day will be held in conjunction with the Florida Ports Council Legislative Forum, taking place February 1-4. Reserve your seat today by contacting Christy Gandy at Christy.gandy@flaports.org or 850-222-8028.

Throughout legislative session, we’ll keep you apprised of legislation that may impact transportation and logistics. Your engagement and participation in the process is a key to success.

Thank you.