Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Joseph Morris
Department: Port Everglades Division: Business Development
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of Broward County, Florida, granting renewal of a nonexclusive, unrestricted Port Everglades stevedore franchise to Florida International Terminal, LLC, for a new ten-year term; providing franchise terms and conditions.
body
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 stevedore franchise to Florida International Terminal, LLC, for a new ten-year term.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☒County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
Request to set Public Hearing was approved by the Board on April 28, 2026 (Item No. 13).
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.”
Florida International Terminal, LLC (“FIT”), a Florida limited liability company, was organized in September 2004. FIT has provided stevedore services at Port Everglades since 2005.
On April 26, 2016 (Item No. 6-PH), the Board granted FIT a nonexclusive franchise renewal to provide stevedore services at Port Everglades for a ten-year term, from June 14, 2016, to June 13, 2026. FIT has applied for the renewal of the franchise. FIT also applied for a nonexclusive, unrestricted cargo handler franchise, which is the subject of a separate agenda item.
Staff reviewed the stevedore franchise application against the enumerated criteria outlined in Chapter 32 of the Administrative Code. Staff's due diligence included, among other things: (a) corresponding with FIT’s representative to clarify franchise requirements; (b) reviewing FIT’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 FIT has maintained a favorable service performance record in Port Everglades during the term of its prior franchise agreements; and (c) ensuring that FIT has promoted and developed growth in the business activities, projects, or facilities of Port Everglades. Staff also reviewed FIT’s safety and environmental history and found no infractions.
By submitting the signed franchise application, FIT 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 approval of the request for a stevedore franchise. Pursuant to Section 32.16 of the Broward County Administrative Code, the County may grant stevedore franchises for a term not to exceed ten years. Consistent with past practice, staff recommends approval of a ten-year franchise term.
Source of Additional Information
Jorge Hernández, Director, Business Development Division, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-3501.
Maria Mallarino, Franchise and Business Permits Manager, Business Development Division, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-0185.
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
FIT has paid the required initial processing fee of $11,550 and the annual fee of $4,200, and will pay an additional $37,800 in annual franchise fees over the franchise term, for a total of $53,550.