Florida bill could overturn Key West cruise ship restrictions
A bill which was recently passed placing restrictions on cruise ship traffic in Key West could be sunk even before it begins.
A new bill has been tabled in the Florida’s state legislature taking authority away from local governments to make law changes relating to the state’s ports.
The bill was introduced by Republican Senator Jim Boyd.
If it passes it could nullify the referendum vote in Key West in November which agreed to limit the size of cruise ships that call there, and limiting the number of cruise passengers allowed to come ashore each day.
It also calls for giving priority to ships that have the best environmental record.
"The economic impact of a seaport extends far beyond the boundaries of the local jurisdiction in which the port is located, materially contributing to the economies of multiple cities and counties within the region and to the economy of the state as a whole," the new draft bill says.
The bill contends a local law passed could disrupt the flow of goods in and out of the state and impact health and safety issues.
The draft bill includes a preemption clause that could cancel any previous local regulations such as the Key West cruise ship restrictions.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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