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FL S0426
Bill
AI Summary
- Prohibits local ballot initiatives or referendums from restricting maritime commerce in Florida seaports, including restrictions based on vessel type, size, capacity, passenger origins, cargo, or environmental/health records of vessels or vessel lines
- Bars local governments, political subdivisions, and special districts from restricting maritime commerce involving federally authorized passenger cruise vessels at seaports located in or adjoining areas of critical state concern
- Declares any conflicting local law, charter amendment, ordinance, resolution, regulation, or policy—whether adopted before, on, or after the act's effective date—prohibited, void, and expressly preempted to the state
- Exempts special districts established for port management by special act of the Legislature and preserves local authority to operate and develop ports, enforce Federal Maritime Commission tariffs, and enter into leases or terminal agreements
- Justified by findings that Florida seaports generate nearly 900,000 jobs, contribute $117.6 billion in economic value (approximately 13% of state GDP), and that the cruise industry contributes over $9 billion in annual direct spending, with 8.3 million passengers embarking from Florida ports in 2019
Legislative Description
State Preemption of Seaport Regulations
Last Action
Died on Second Reading Calendar; companion bill(s) passed, see CS/CS/CS/SB 1194 (Ch. 2021-188)
4/30/2021
Committee Referrals
Rules3/29/2021
Community Affairs3/12/2021
Transportation1/15/2021
Full Bill Text
No bill text available