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 August 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 422 of Governmental Center East, to consider the application of Dothan Security, Inc. d/b/a DSI Security Services, for the granting of a renewal of a nonexclusive, unrestricted Port Everglades marine terminal security 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 marine terminal security services franchise to Dothan Security, Inc. d/b/a DSI Security Services, 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.”
Dothan Security, Inc. d/b/a DSI Security Services (“Dothan”), an Alabama corporation incorporated in the State of Florida on October 2, 1980, has provided marine terminal security services at Port Everglades since June 2009. On May 19, 2020 (Item No. 43), the Board granted Dothan a nonexclusive, unrestricted marine terminal security services franchise for a five-year term, from June 23, 2020, through June 22, 2025. Dothan does not have any current clients at Port Everglades and initially indicated that it would not seek to renew the franchise. Subsequently, Dothan reconsidered and applied for a new five-year franchise, requesting a start date of August 21, 2025. As the current franchise will expire on June 22, 2025, Dothan will not be authorized to provide marine terminal security services at the port between the expiration date of the current franchise and the effective date of the new franchise.
Staff reviewed the marine terminal security service franchise 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 Dothan’s representative to clarify franchise requirements; (b) reviewing Dothan’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 Dothan has maintained a favorable service performance record in Port Everglades during the term of its prior franchise agreements; and (c) ensuring that Dothan has promoted and developed growth in the business activities, projects, or facilities of Port Everglades.
Staff also reviewed Dothan’s safety and environmental history. Although no infractions occurred in connection with Dothan’s franchised operations at Port Everglades, a review of OSHA records revealed three closed cases associated with Dothan Security, Inc.: two complaint-based inspections in Georgia, and one incident in Canada involving a pedestrian fatality in which an employee was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. All three cases were closed with informal settlements.
Additionally, under its d/b/a, DSI Security Services, two complaint-based cases were reported in California. The first, dated April 25, 2023, involved issues related to first aid supplies, heat illness prevention, and injury and illness prevention programs. The case resulted in a $1,200 penalty, which was paid on July 11, 2024. Corrective actions included the placement of first aid kits at all locations. The second case, dated May 3, 2023, concerned the lack of access to climate control in a guard shed. A corrective measure-a window unit providing air conditioning and heat-was installed, and the case was closed on October 27, 2023.
By submitting the signed franchise application, Dothan has agreed to comply with all franchise conditions outlined in Section 32.24 of the Administrative Code.
Based on the review of the information provided in the franchise renewal application, staff recommends renewing the marine terminal security service franchise. Per Section 32.20.1 of the Administrative Code, the County may grant marine terminal security service franchises for up to five years. Consistent with past practice, staff recommends granting the franchise for a five-year term.
The complete application and supporting documents are on file in the Port Everglades Business Development Division.
Source of Additional Information
Jorge Hernández, Director, Business Development Division, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-3501
Paula Serpa, Franchise and Business Permit Manager, Business Development Division, Port Everglades Department, (954) 468-0185
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Dothan 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.