News & Updates
Florida Ports Council issues statement following Senate Rules Committee vote on Preemption of Seaport Regulations (SB 426)
“We appreciate Senator Boyd’s willingness to seek a solution that protects Florida’s seaports while also ensuring our state’s seaports remain a major economic driver.” – Michael Rubin, Vice President of Governmental Affairs
Florida Ports Council Vice President of Governmental Affairs Michael Rubin, testified today on behalf of Florida’s seaports during the Senate Rules Committee. Below is a statement from Rubin on today’s passage of the preemption of seaport regulations bill (SB 426).
“Since the start of the pandemic, it’s been abundantly clear just how important Florida’s local seaports are to Florida’s economy. With thousands of cruise-related employees still sidelined, and cruise ships still unable to sail, it’s vital that local seaports are not further restricted in their ability to conduct business and create economic development opportunities.
“We appreciate Senator Jim Boyd’s willingness to seek a solution that protects Florida’s seaports while also ensuring our state’s seaports remain a major economic driver.”
FLORIDA’S SEAPORTS ECONOMIC IMPACT:
- 15 deep water seaports.
- Supporting 900,000 direct and indirect jobs, and
- $117.6 billion to Florida’s economy through cargo and cruise activities.
- Generating approximately 13 percent of Florida’s GDP, and
- $4.2 billion in state and local taxes.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA PORTS COUNCIL:
The Florida Ports Council (FPC), is a Florida nonprofit corporation that serves as the professional association for Florida’s fifteen public seaports and their management. FPC is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of the fifteen port directors with staff support located in Tallahassee. We provide leadership through a collective voice in the areas of state and federal advocacy, data and research, and marketing and communication.