| Key West reforms at risk

A Florida bill could overturn Key West’s cruise ship restrictions passed in Nov (CW 05 Nov).

The ship traffic reductions are the target of a new bill tabled in Florida’s (pictured) state legislature, which would see authority over the region’s ports taken away from local govts.

The bill was introduced by Republican Senator Jim Boyd, and if it passes, it could nullify the referendum vote in Key West which agreed to a number of cruise ship limitations relating to vessel size, pax numbers, and the environmental history of lines.

The bill contends 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 Florida as a whole.

It also suggests local law changes could disrupt the flow of goods in and out of Florida.

Crucially, the bill includes a preemption clause that could cancel any previous local regulations, such as those passed in Key West.

The amendments, adopted during last year’s United States Presidential election, were approved by wide margins.

In prohibiting cruise ships with a capacity of 1,300 or more persons, 81% voted yes; in limiting daily disembarkations to 1,500 people, 63% voted yes; and in prioritising cruise lines with the best environmental & health records, 61% voted yes.