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 renewal of a nonexclusive, unrestricted Port Everglades steamship agent franchise to Metro Shore Services LLC for a new five-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 the Broward County Board of County Commissioners’ (“Board”) consideration of the Resolution granting renewal of a nonexclusive, unrestricted Port Everglades steamship agent franchise to Metro Shore Services LLC, for a new five-year term.
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☒County Commission
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Previous Action Taken
Request for Public Hearing was approved by the Board on August 20, 2026 (Item No. 30).
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.”
Metro Shore Services LLC (“Metro”) has been providing steamship agent services at Port Everglades since 2010. On September 9, 2021 (Item No. 38), the Board granted renewal of a nonexclusive franchise to Metro to provide steamship agent services at Port Everglades for a five-year term, from September 14, 2021, through September 13, 2026. Metro has applied to renew 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 Metro’s representative to clarify franchise requirements; (b) reviewing Metro’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 Metro has maintained a favorable service performance record in Port Everglades during the term of its prior franchise Agreements; and (c) ensuring that Metro has promoted and developed growth in the business activities, projects, or facilities of Port Everglades. Staff also reviewed Metro’s safety and environmental history and found no infractions. By submitting the signed franchise application, Metro 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.
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 August 20, 2026 (Item No. 30).
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
Metro 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.