Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Joseph Morris
Department: Port Everglades Division: Business Development
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution directing the County Administrator to publish Notice of Public Hearing to be held on November 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 422 of Governmental Center East, to consider adoption of a proposed Resolution Amending the Broward County Administrative Code, the title of which is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, PERTAINING TO THE ORGANIZATION OF THE PORT EVERGLADES DEPARTMENT; AMENDING CHAPTER 16 OF THE BROWARD COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE (“ADMINISTRATIVE CODE”); AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Why Action is Necessary
The Broward County Charter requires the posting of notice and a public hearing for adoption of amendments to the Broward County Administrative Code.
What Action Accomplishes
Enables the setting of a public hearing during which the Broward County Board of County Commissioners (“Board”) may consider adopting the proposed Resolution Amending the Broward County Administrative Code.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☐County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
None
Summary Explanation/Background
THE PORT EVERGLADES DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.
Chapter 16 of the Broward County Administrative Code generally sets forth the organization of the Port Everglades Department and the responsibilities of the Chief Executive. The Port Everglades Department proposes to amend Chapter 16 in various respects, including:
• Add references to Chapter 99-475, Laws of Florida, which defines the Port Jurisdictional Area (also known as “Port Everglades”); Chapter 91-346, Laws of Florida, which transferred Port Everglades to Broward County, Florida; and Chapter 94-429, Laws of Florida, which, among other things, outlines the powers and duties of the County regarding Port Everglades.
• Change “Port Everglades Chief Executive” to “Port Everglades Chief Executive Officer and Port Director” or “Port Director” throughout Chapter 16 of the Administrative Code for consistency with current useage.
• Expand the authority of the Port Director (or written designee) to execute leases and subleases for office space, warehouse space, and vacant land located within the Port Jurisdictional Area for which the term does not exceed three years, inclusive of all renewal terms, if any. The current authority is limited to one year. Language is also added clarifying that consecutive leases between the same parties for the same property are not considered renewals and may be signed by the Port Director if the subsequent lease term does not exceed three years, the subsequent lease complies with Section 16.2 of the Administrative Code, and the tenant is in full compliance with all contractual obligations at the time of execution. Similar language is included for license and right-of-way agreements. This change provides flexibility for the Port Everglades Department to address evolving business needs while maintaining appropriate oversight through quarterly reporting to the County Administrator and County Auditor.
• Revises the existing language on marketing to more closely track the language in Chapter 94-429, Section 4, Laws of Florida, which authorizes the Port Everglades Department to market and promote its projects and facilities worldwide, and to incur related travel expenses, so long as the costs are reasonable and approved by the Port Director - an explicit exception to Section 112.061, Florida Statute. This is not a new authority, but a refinement of the existing provision.
• Revises the frequency for the Port’s required Master/Vision Plan updates, changing from biennial updates to at least once every five years, with the flexibility to extend to ten years if recommended by the Port Director and approved by the Board. The frequency and content of updates must still comply with applicable law, support funding and grant applications and capital planning, and respond to changing conditions. Market assessments related to the Port’s Master/Vision Plan shall be conducted more frequently if warranted by market conditions, as determined by the Port Director, and are not required to be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for approval.
These changes are intended to improve operational efficiency, align with current practices and evolving industry standards, and ensure proper governance and oversight by the Board.
Source of Additional Information
Jorge Hernández, Director of Business Development, Port Everglades Department, 954-468-3501.
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
None.