Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Joseph Morris
Department: Port Everglades Division: Business Development
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution directing the County Administrator to publish Notice of Public Hearing to be held on May 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 422 of Governmental Center East to consider the application of Sun Terminals, Inc., for the granting of a renewal of a nonexclusive, unrestricted Port Everglades steamship agent franchise for a new five-year term.
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Why Action is Necessary
Pursuant to Section 32.22 of the Broward County Administrative Code (“Administrative Code”) and the applicable provisions of Chapter 94-429, Laws of Florida, Broward County (the “County”) must hold a public hearing prior to granting, renewing, placing on probation, suspending, or revoking a franchise.
What Action Accomplishes
Enables the setting of a public hearing during which the Broward County Board of County Commissioners may consider adopting the proposed Resolution granting renewal of a nonexclusive, unrestricted Port Everglades steamship agent franchise to Sun Terminals, Inc., for a new five-year term.
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Previous Action Taken
None
Summary Explanation/Background
THE PORT EVERGLADES DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.
This action supports the Broward County Board of County Commissioners’ (“Board”) Value of “Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives,” and the Goal of “Ensuring economic opportunities and a sustainable economy, with an emphasis on Broward’s lower and middle class.”
Sun Terminals, Inc. (“Sun Terminals”), has held franchises at Port Everglades since June 1994. On May 18, 2021 (Item No. 36), the Board approved a nonexclusive, unrestricted steamship agent franchise for Sun Terminals commencing on June 3, 2021, through June 2, 2026. Sun Terminals has applied for renewal of the franchise. Sun Terminals also has cargo handler and stevedore services franchises at Port Everglades.
Staff reviewed the steamship agent franchise renewal application against the enumerated renewal criteria outlined in Chapter 32 of the Administrative Code. Staff's due diligence included, among other things: (a) corresponding with Sun Terminals’ representative to clarify franchise requirements; (b) reviewing Sun Terminals’ corporate status, resumes of executive staff, list of managerial personnel, business history/experience, litigation history, insurance certificate(s), financial documents and creditworthiness, discharge of previous financial obligations to the County, compliance with all franchise terms and conditions and established rules and regulations of the County, required licenses and certificates, company programs and policies, list of equipment to be used at Port Everglades, and statement of activities and actions indicating that Sun Terminals has maintained a favorable service performance record in Port Everglades during the term of its prior franchise agreements; and (c) ensuring that Sun Terminals has promoted and developed growth in the business activities, projects, or facilities of Port Everglades.
Staff also reviewed Sun Terminals’ safety and environmental history. Although outside the scope of the steamship agent franchise, King Ocean disclosed one safety incident involving a fatal accident on a vessel at Berth 32 in Port Everglades on October 10, 2022. That incident was previously reviewed during the approval of stevedore and cargo handler franchise renewals by the Board on May 20, 2025 (Item Nos. 48 and 49). On April 19, 2023, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) issued a serious citation and fines. Sun Terminals contested the citation on May 12, 2023. On April 15, 2024, the Secretary of Labor and Sun Terminals filed a joint Notification of Settlement with the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, acknowledging that they had resolved all contested citation items and the citation and fines were dismissed.
By submitting the signed franchise application, Sun Terminals has agreed to comply with all franchise conditions outlined in Sections 32.23 and 32.24 of the Administrative Code.
Based on the review of information provided in the franchise renewal application, staff recommends renewing the steamship agent franchise. Per Section 32.19 of the Administrative Code, the County may grant steamship agent franchises for up to five years. Consistent with past practice, staff recommends renewing the franchise for a five-year term.
Source of Additional Information
Jorge Hernández, Director, Business Development Division, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-3501.
Maria Mallarino, Franchise & Business Permits Manager, Business Development Division, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-015.
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Sun Terminals has paid the required annual fee of $2,360 and will pay an additional $9,440 in annual franchise fees over the franchise term, for a total of $11,800.