News & Updates
President’s Message: April 2025
When it comes to building momentum, don’t wait for the perfect moment, go create it. That’s exactly what the Florida Ports Council and our member ports are doing.
From supplying critical commodities like food, fuel and healthcare supplies to Floridians and our neighbors in the Caribbean, to ensuring a strong and resilient supply chain, Florida’s system of seaports are vital to our daily lives.
In fact, the numbers show the strength of our overall well-being:
- 1.2 million jobs,
- $196 billion economic contribution, and
- $7.4 billion in state and local taxes.
We’re building momentum at every level: internationally, nationally and statewide.
INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS:
Florida’s seaports recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with our partner ports in Italy – a top ten foreign direct investor in Florida.
The MOU is a direct result of Governor Ron DeSantis’ Trade Mission to Italy last November, and builds on the successes of the Florida-Italy partnership and increases collaboration in trade, logistics and economic and workforce development.
“From trade and connectivity prospects to smart port development and technology exchange, with this MOU agreement, the opportunities between our regions will no doubt generate truly remarkable successes,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue.
The MOU was officially inked during the recent Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, which took place in Miami. Joining us for the signing ceremony were FDOT Secretary Perdue, Port Tampa Bay’s Raul Alfonso, PortMiami Port Director Hydi Webb, Port Everglades Port Director Joseph Morris, Port St. Pete Port Director David Wirth, representatives from SeaPort Manatee, Port Canaveral, JAXPORT and representatives from Assoporti, the Association of Italian Ports, and Assologistica, the Italian Association of Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
STATEWIDE:
In just the last few weeks, Florida’s port directors, leaders and stakeholders gathered in Tallahassee to meet with lawmakers, attend legislative committee meetings, and attend important board meetings, including the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development (FSTED) board meeting. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, including HNTB, Florida Natural Gas Association, TECO, Lewis Longman Walker, exodigo and FLCLASS.
NATIONALLY:
In the coming few weeks, Florida’s port leaders will travel to our nation’s capital for our DC Fly-In where we look forward to meeting with members of Florida’s Congressional Delegation and focusing on essential transportation and infrastructure activities. We also look forward to meeting with Congressman Jimmy Patronis, newly elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Representative Patronis was recently assigned to serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which has oversight over the maritime industry.
From collaborating with our partners in Italy, to connecting with elected leaders in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., our commitment to success keeps our momentum going.
Thank you for your support of Florida’s 16 seaports, and your commitment that Floridians can continue to receive critical commodities that make their way to our state through a seaport.