Today, the Florida Senate and Florida House both passed CS/CS/CS/SB 1194: Transportation, a bill which was amended earlier today in the Senate to include language similar to CS/CS/CS/SB 426: State Preemption of Seaport Regulation which passed in the Senate last week, but hit a brick wall this week in the house.
The amendment filed today by Senator Jim Boyd defines Florida Statute 311.25 Florida seaports; local ballot initiatives and referendums.
The SB 1194 was first passed by the Senate with 21 Yeas – 17 Nays, before heading to the House which voted 75 Yeas – 40 Nays, effectively negating the Key West cruise referendums passed by Key West voters last November allowing cruise ships to continue calling on the South Florida port upon the resumption of cruise operations.
Below are videos from the Senate and House discussions and votes on SB 1194.
The bill’s final stop is on Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk for his signature. Pending a signature, the bill’s effective date is July 1, 2021.
It will be signed, Governor Ron DeSantis has been bought with a legal bribe.
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article250934164.html
government overreach.
Get back to cruising!!!!!
I thought Republicans like smaller government? This seems hypocritical even for a party full of self centered hypocrites…..
So the locals vote against cruise ships and the state says, “Oh, well.” If the Federal Government stepped in and decided to override the state of Florida it’s essentially the same dynamic and I’m sure DeSantis would scream ‘government overreach’.
I can’t imagine receiving the warmest of welcomes in Key West for anyone getting off of a cruise ship and knowing that locals don’t want them I’m surprised Disney would continue sailing there.
The State of Florida overruled the city of Key West. The Federal Government was not involved.
Oh good. Key West will be the new Venice. Whatayawanna bet there will be some wildcat strikes amongst the local longshoremen? Jeez rent a car and drive there like everyone else does. It’s not that difficult!!! Spend more time and enjoy the other keys.
I have mixed feelings about this. It’s disappointing when the will of the voters is overturned. However, if Orlando voted to shut down MCO to try to reduce carbon emissions, that would be crippling to the travel industry, so I see both sides to an extent.