FL PORTS FOCUS ON STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

Plans for $3 billion in infrastructure investments over the next 5 years will strengthen seaports’ role in global commerce

Over the past three decades, Florida’s seaports have invested billions of dollars to expand capacity and connectivity, both critical components in the efficient movement of people and cargo on and off the port. Our seaports work to enhance the state’s economy and the quality of life in Florida by fostering the growth of domestic and international waterborne commerce.

Florida’s ports support nearly 900,000 jobs across the state, generating local and state tax revenues in excess of $4.3 billion and nearly $117.6 billion in total economic activity. That’s 13 percent of Florida’s GDP.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacts on our state and our ports have only highlighted the continued importance of strategic investment. Investing in port infrastructure keeps our state and local economies healthy and moves commerce safely and efficiently 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

PORT GOALS

The goals of Florida’s port system include:

• Develop world-class cargo and cruise facilities to enhance Florida’s global competitiveness.

• Build system-wide, seamless intermodal facilities to move port goods and passengers efficiently and cost-effectively.

• Capitalize on increased north-south trade and the Panama Canal expansion to capture more direct all-water service and feeder calls.

Pictured previous spread: PortMiami Northview: Last year PortMiami set another world record in cruise passenger traffic with nearly 6.8 million vacationers sailing through “The Cruise Capital of the World”; Port of Palm Beach: The Port of Palm Beach is the fourth-busiest container port in Florida.