News & Updates
Governor, Cabinet Approve Pier B Lease at Key West
Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet unanimously approved a new 25-year lease for the cruise ship port at Pier B in Key West. This approval will allow the port to bring in larger cruise ships.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recommended approval of the lease.
Under the new lease, the Temporary Use Agreement that DEP approved in July 2022 to expand the lease boundaries to the north and west to ensure ships are not obstructing the entrance to Truman Harbor, is codified. DEP also added about 50 feet to accommodate the width of the ships and about 42 feet for the length of the ships.
“As a whole, the cruise ship industry brings billions of dollars of benefit to the state. More specifically, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council’s latest estimate indicated that over $2.4 billion was spent by over five million visitors, which translates to an $1.8 billion economic impact. It supports the local economy by directly and indirectly supporting positive economic impact to the City of Key West, Monroe County, and the state of Florida. And the industry assists in the creation of both temporary and permanent jobs within the local economy,” DEP wrote in its recommendation for lease approval.