Washington, D.C. – Florida’s seaports, including port representatives from Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, JAXPORT, PortMiami, Port Panama City, Port of Pensacola, and Port Tampa Bay, were joined by Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and Florida Department of Transportation officials to meet with federal legislators. The trip included meetings with Representatives Rutherford, Mast, Webster, Diaz-Balart, Dunn, Rooney, and Senators Nelson and Rubio. Discussions highlighted the importance of seaport infrastructure, security policies and freight development.

“Florida continues to be key player in the global marketplace – there isn’t a type of cargo our seaports can’t handle,” Florida Ports Council Chairman and Port Tampa Bay President and CEO Paul Anderson said. “The importance of continued support of seaport infrastructure at the federal level is crucial to maintaining this momentum.”

In addition to meetings with federal legislators, seaport representatives and Florida officials participated in the Florida Congressional Ports Caucus meeting. The Caucus is made up of members of Congress who work with public and private stakeholders on seaport issues. Attendees included Representatives Posey, Wilson, Rutherford, Lawson, Dunn, Yoho and Diaz-Balart.

“Florida’s 15 seaports are economic powerhouses that provide unique advantages to our state’s thriving businesses,” said Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “From the Port of Pensacola to the Port of Key West, Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf ports are critical to our state’s economic diversification, increased trade and new job opportunities for Floridians.”

Position papers:

Federal Freight Investment

State Seaport Security

Federal Seaport Security

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