Governance: Canaveral

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Legislation that enacts major changes to the Canaveral Port Authority‘s charter has been unanimously approved by the Florida House and Senate and now awaits Gov. Rick Scott’s signature.

Major Overhaul of Port Canaveral’s 60-Year-Old Charter 

Legislation that enacts major changes to the port authority charter for the first time in Port Canaveral’s 60-year history has received unanimous approval by the Florida House and Senate.

As a special district created by the Florida Legislature, the Canaveral Port Authority occasionally has sought legislative approval for specific charter amendments. However, this is the first time the entire charter has been reviewed and revised. The authority’s five-member commission appointed a charter review committee comprised of 10 business and civic leaders, who conducted a review and analysis of charter. On July 17, 2013, the port commission unanimously approved the recommendations with minor modifications.

Among the changes: 

• Improved processes for approval and borrowing of money for port projects
• Improved transparency and provisions for public input prior to board votes
• New supermajority vote requirement on land use and longer-term leases
• Term limits for port commissioners 

The legislation now awaits the governor’s signature.