11 May 2011
Florida’s trade community is cheering new state legislation that helps state seaports.
One law removes duplicative security rules that have increased costs at seaports. Another adds trade and logistics to Florida’s Qualified Targeted Industries (QTI) list, making those industries eligible for new incentives in the form of taxes, grants and other benefits.
The laws will result in millions of dollars in savings for Florida’s maritime community, improving the state’s competitiveness, the World Trade Center Miami said in a statement.
The seaport security measure, HB 283, removes state regulations that mirror federal government rules and required ports to implement two sets of security checks and identification cards, boosting costs. Florida’s port security law had pre-dated the federal law.
“Effective and efficient security protocols are a top priority for all ports – the elimination of duplicative requirements makes good sense,” said Bill Johnson, Port of Miami director and Florida Chamber of Commerce board of directors member, in a statement “It is important that we continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to keep our ports safe and secure.”
The QTI Bill, HB 879, adds trade and logistics to the state’s list of Qualified Targeted Industries and authorizes incentives for businesses that meet QTI requirements.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce commended Florida Rep. Dana Young (R-Tampa) and Sen. Jack Latvala (R-St. Petersburg) for sponsoring the port security legislation. It also applauded Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto (R-Wellington) and Rep. Eric Eisnaugle (R-Orlando) for sponsoring the QTI measure.
The Chamber has been pushing trade and logistics as key to transform the state economy. In a recent study, it called the ongoing expansion of the Panama Canal as "a once-in-a-generation opportunity" for Florida to become a global hub for trade, logistics and export-oriented manufacturing.
To read the Chamber's 48-page study,, visit flaports.org/UserFiles/FL_Trade&LogisticsStudy.pdf.