FloridaPort authority serves four counties and may build shipping facilities
The authority serves four counties and may develop port facilities; Port St. Joe and the counties may choose to contribute money through their budgets.
What it does
The Port St. Joe Port Authority serves Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, and Liberty Counties.
The authority may acquire property, including through eminent domain, and develop port and related commercial facilities. The city and counties are not responsible for its debts or actions.
Port St. Joe and the four counties may contribute money through their budgets. Gulf County may pledge a gas tax or levy a property tax, and Port St. Joe may levy a property tax to fund the authority.
Argument forThe authority could build and operate shipping facilities across its service area, which may support local shipping and commerce.
Argument againstThe authority may take property through eminent domain, which could concern property owners whose land is affected.
More detail
The authority serves Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, and Liberty Counties. Its stated boundaries include all four counties.
The authority may acquire property and build, maintain, and operate port and related commercial facilities. The listed powers include buying or leasing property, using eminent domain, and developing port, shipping, warehouse, rail, and industrial facilities. The authority cannot bind the city or counties to its obligations. They are not responsible for its debts, actions, or omissions.
Port St. Joe and the four counties may contribute money to the authority through their budgets. The provision names Port St. Joe and Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, and Liberty Counties. Contributions depend on amounts the city and county commissions approve through their budgets. Gulf County may pledge a gas tax or levy a tax based on property value, and Port St. Joe may levy a tax based on property value.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 1Chapter No. 2026-226Latest
- Jun 30Approved by Governor Ron DeSantisBecame Law
- Jun 15Signed by Officers and presented to GovernorTo Governor
- Mar 11Ordered enrolledMinor
- Vote recorded Local Bills, Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 11In Messages
- Mar 11CS passed; YEAS 36 NAYS 0Passed Senate
- Mar 11Read 3rd timeMinor
- Mar 11Read 2nd timeMinor
- Mar 11Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading
- Mar 11Withdrawn from RulesMajor
- Mar 9Placed on Local Calendar, 03/11/26
- Mar 3ReceivedMinor
- Vote recorded Passage, Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 3Referred to RulesMinor
- Mar 3In Messages
- Mar 3CS passed; YEAS 106, NAYS 2Passed House
- Mar 3Read 3rd timeMinor
- Mar 3Added to Third Reading Calendar
- Mar 3Read 2nd timeMinor
- Feb 26Bill added to Special Order Calendar (3/3/2026)
- Feb 26Added to Second Reading Calendar
- Feb 251st Reading (Committee Substitute 1)Minor
- Feb 25Bill referred to House Calendar
- Feb 24CS FiledMinor
- Vote recorded Favorable With Committee Substitute (State Affairs Committee). Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 24Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)Minor
- Feb 24Reported out of State Affairs Committee
- Feb 24Favorable with CS by State Affairs CommitteeMinor
- Feb 20Added to State Affairs Committee agenda
- Feb 161st Reading (Original Filed Version)Minor
- Feb 16Now in State Affairs Committee
- Feb 16Referred to State Affairs CommitteeMinor
- Feb 14FiledIntroduced
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