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 June 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 422 of Governmental Center East, to consider the application of GAC Shipping (USA), Inc., d/b/a GAC North America 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 GAC Shipping (USA), Inc., d/b/a GAC North America, for a new five-year term.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☒County Commission
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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.”
GAC Shipping (USA), Inc. d/b/a GAC North America (“GAC”) has been providing steamship agent services at Port Everglades under approved franchise agreements since 2010. On June 1, 2021 (Item No. 55), the Board granted renewal of a nonexclusive franchise to GAC to provide steamship agent services at Port Everglades for a five-year term, from June 27, 2021, through June 26, 2026. GAC has applied for renewal of the franchise.
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 GAC’s representative to clarify franchise requirements; (b) reviewing GAC’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 GAC has maintained a favorable service performance record in Port Everglades during the term of its prior franchise agreements; and (c) ensuring that GAC has promoted and developed growth in the business activities, projects, or facilities of Port Everglades. Staff also reviewed GAC’s safety and environmental history and found no infractions. By submitting the signed franchise application, GAC 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) 468-0185
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
GAC 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.