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 of the Board of County Commissioners of Broward County, Florida, granting a nonexclusive, unrestricted Port Everglades vessel bunkering service franchise to Quest Fuels, LLC for a one-year term; providing for franchise terms and conditions.
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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
Allows for the Broward County Board of County Commissioners’ (“Board”) consideration of the Resolution granting a nonexclusive, unrestricted Port Everglades vessel bunkering service franchise to Quest Fuels, LLC for a one-year term.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☒County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
Request to Set Public Hearing was approved by the Board on October 20, 2026 (Item No. 20).
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.”
Quest Fuels, LLC (“Quest”) was established in Delaware on December 15, 2015, and filed to operate in Florida as a foreign limited liability company on January 22, 2016. Quest began operations at Port Canaveral and subsequently expanded its service area to include Port Tampa Bay, Port Manatee, the Port of Palm Beach, and JAXPORT. Quest has applied for a nonexclusive, unrestricted vessel bunkering service franchise at Port Everglades.
Staff reviewed the vessel bunkering service franchise application submitted by Quest against the enumerated criteria outlined in Chapter 32 of the Administrative Code. Staff's due diligence included, among other things: (a) corresponding with Quest’s representative to clarify franchise requirements; (b) reviewing Quest’s 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 Quest will maintain a favorable service performance record in Port Everglades during the term of the franchise; and (c) ensuring that Quest will promote and develop growth in the business activities, projects, or facilities of Port Everglades. Staff also reviewed Quest’s safety and environmental history and found no infractions.
By submitting the signed franchise application, Quest 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 application, staff recommend granting the vessel bunkering service franchise. Per Section 32.20 of the Administrative Code, the County may grant vessel bunkering service franchises for up to five years. Past practice has been for staff to recommend a one-year term for first-time applicants for a nonexclusive vessel bunkering service franchise. Consistent with past practice, staff recommend granting the franchise for a one-year term.
The Resolution to Publish Notice of Public Hearing and the signed franchise application were attached to the Request to Set Public Hearing Agenda Item that the Board approved on October 20, 2026 (Item No. 20).
Source of Additional Information
Jorge Hernández, Director, Business Development Division, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-3501
Maria Mallarino, Franchise & Business Permit Manager, Business Development Division, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-0185
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Quest has paid the required application fee of $4,200 and an annual fee of $2,360, for a total of $6,560 for the proposed one-year term.