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 September 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 422 of Governmental Center East to consider the renewal application of United Stevedoring of America, Inc. for the granting of a nonexclusive, unrestricted Port Everglades steamship agent services 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 services franchise to United Stevedoring of America, Inc. for a new five-year term.
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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.”
On August 25, 2020 (Item No. 69), the Board granted renewal of a nonexclusive franchise to United Stevedoring of America, Inc., d/b/a Hallmark Stevedoring Company (“United Stevedoring”) to provide steamship agent services at Port Everglades for a five-year term, from September 23, 2020, through September 22, 2025. United Stevedoring has applied for renewal of the franchise.
Staff reviewed the steamship agent services 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 United Stevedoring’s representative to clarify franchise requirements; (b) reviewing United Stevedoring’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 United Stevedoring has maintained a favorable service performance record in Port Everglades during the term of its prior franchise agreements; and (c) ensuring that United Stevedoring has promoted and developed growth in the business activities, projects, or facilities of Port Everglades. Staff also reviewed United Stevedoring's safety and environmental history and found no infractions.
By submitting the signed franchise application, United Stevedoring has agreed to comply with all franchise conditions outlined in Section 32.24 of the Administrative Code.
Based on the review of information provided in the franchise renewal application, staff recommends renewing the steamship agent services franchise. Per Section 32.19 of the Administrative Code, the County may grant steamship agent services franchises for up to five years. Consistent with past practice, staff recommends renewing the franchise for a new five-year term.
Source of Additional Information
Jorge Hernández, Director, Business Development Division, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-3501
Kenty Medina, Program Project Coordinator, Business Development Division, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-0190
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
United Stevedoring 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.