Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Joseph Morris
Department: Port Everglades Division: Business Development
Information
Requested Action
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(This is the first of two required public hearings. The second public hearing will be held on October 7, 2025.)
MOTION TO APPROVE Sixth Amendment to the Lease Agreement between Broward County and the South Florida Wildlife Center, Inc., for a 4.11-acre parcel of land located at 3200 S.W. 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, extending the lease term to December 31, 2026, with up to three additional one-year renewal options.
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Why Action is Necessary
Pursuant to Section 32.5.b. of the Broward County Administrative Code, two Public Hearings are required before any Port Everglades real property outside the Restricted Use Zone can be leased for a term in excess of ten years.
What Action Accomplishes
Allows for the consideration of the Sixth Amendment to the Lease Agreement between Broward County and the South Florida Wildlife Center, Inc. This is the first of two required public hearings. The second public hearing will be held on October 7, 2025. No action is required on this motion.
Goal Related Icon(s)
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Previous Action Taken
None
Summary Explanation/Background
THE PORT EVERGLADES DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.
The South Florida Wildlife Center, Inc. (“SFWC”), formerly known as The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Broward County, Inc., has been a tenant since 1970 on Port-owned land approximately 1.5 miles west of the Port Jurisdictional Area.
On July 11, 2000 (Item No. 2-PH), the Broward County Board of County Commissioners (“Board”) approved a Lease Agreement (“Lease Agreement”) with SFWC for a 4.11-acre parcel located at 3200 S.W. 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (the “Current Premises”).
The First Amendment to the Lease Agreement, approved by the Board on June 23, 2009 (Item No. PH-01), extended the lease term to September 30, 2040, contingent upon SFWC constructing a new veterinary hospital on the Premises. Absent construction, the Lease was to terminate on September 30, 2020. Due to a lack of funding, SFWC could not move forward with the hospital's building, and the County began evaluating relocation alternatives in light of the Broward County Aviation Department’s (“BCAD”) need for the property consistent with its expansion plans.
Subsequent amendments have extended the term, modified tenant obligations, updated guarantor requirements, and addressed relocation provisions. These included granting the County the right to issue a Relocation Notice and providing SFWC 30 days to accept or reject a proposed relocation site.
On October 16, 2019, County staff issued a Relocation Notice. On March 17, 2020, SFWC rejected the County’s proposed relocation site, which set the lease to expire on September 30, 2020. On June 16, 2020 (Item No. 16), the Board approved the Fifth Amendment to the Lease Agreement, which extended the lease term through September 30, 2025, and removed certain improvement and guarantor requirements. The parties anticipated that SFWC would develop plans and relocate within the duration of this lease term.
BCAD has identified the Premises for future aviation-related uses and intends to assume control upon lease termination. SFWC, however, has requested additional time to facilitate relocation and ensure continuity of its wildlife care services.
While SFWC has undertaken significant efforts and made progress toward relocating from the Premises, additional time is required to complete the transition to its new site. SFWC has entered into a ground lease with The School Board of Broward County (“School Board”) for property in the Town of Southwest Ranches that was approved by the School Board on August 19, 2025. Following the construction of the required facilities, the Southwest Ranches site will serve as SFWC’s new wildlife hospital and rehabilitation center. The construction schedule and anticipated relocation timeline are outlined in the attached Milestones document (see Exhibit 2).
In the interim, SFWC seeks to continue operations on the current Premises until relocation is complete. SFWC has requested an extension of its lease term to support this transition.
Key Terms of the Sixth Amendment:
- Extension of Term: Lease extended through December 31, 2026.
- Renewal Options: Up to three one-year renewals, potentially through December 31, 2029.
- Progress Reports: SFWC must submit regular progress reports. Renewals will be contingent upon demonstrated progress; so long as SFWC shows reasonable diligence and good faith, renewals are anticipated.
- Annual Rent: Continues at $200 per year, consistent with public purpose use.
The Sixth Amendment provides SFWC with the necessary time to complete its relocation to Southwest Ranches while continuing to deliver critical wildlife care services in its current location. This structure balances the County’s future operational needs at the site with SFWC’s transition timeline, ensuring service continuity, accountability through progress reporting, and compliance with County standards.
The Sixth Amendment to the Lease Agreement has been reviewed and approved as to form by the Office of the County Attorney.
Source of Additional Information
Jorge A. Hernández, Director of Business Development, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-3501.
Stacie A. Warren, Real Estate Administrator, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-3706.
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
None