The Florida Department of Transportation Sends a Warning to Port Canaveral
The longstanding dispute between the Florida Department of Transportation and Port Canaveral has flared up again.
As a quick recap, the trouble began last May when the Canaveral Port Authority announced its plans to build a seventh cruise terminal on the port’s north side. The area had previously been earmarked for use by the space industry. The conflict between the interests of Canaveral’s cruise and space industries is at the crux of the port’s disagreements with the state.
After learning of the port’s plans, the Florida Department of Commerce and Department of Transportation warned that they would impede funding to Port Canaveral unless the Port Authority changed their plans.


Photo: PortCanaveral.com
Eventually, the port backed down.
The Department of Transportation Seeks State Policy Update
In Governor Ron DeSantis’s proposed state budget, the Department of Transportation is asking to update the state policy. The new language would “safeguard Florida’s strategic position as America’s Preferred Space Launch State.”
According to a press release, the new language would include “requiring Port Canaveral to receive state approval prior to utilizing any state funds intended for cargo and space activities for any other use.”


Photo: portcanaveral.com
As reported by the Orlando Sentinel, it is not clear at this time how that language differs from the current process.
“Every grant the port applies for has requirements for being selected and conditions for being awarded the funding,” said Port Canaveral Director of Communications and Public Affairs Steven Linden. “We look forward to working with the state on future grant opportunities.”
Where The Situation Stands
While it remains to be seen what, if any, impact the new state policy has, Port Canaveral clearly wants to continue to expand. For now, however, it looks like the Port Authority has shifted its focus to the port’s south side.


Photo: Port Canaveral
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