Miami-Dade Commission Special Meeting on PortMiami Fuel Facility Acquisition – September 18, 2025

This special meeting, convened at 4:00 PM on September 18, 2025, was called to discuss matters related to fuel for PortMiami and its users. The sole agenda item was a discussion regarding the potential acquisition of the Fisher Island Fuel Facility, a 9.6-acre site that has supplied bunker fuel to the port for decades. The facility was under contract to be sold to a developer intending to redevelop the property, raising concerns about the future of fuel supply for the cruise and cargo industries. After extensive debate, the Board of County Commissioners voted 7-4 to adopt a motion directing the administration to negotiate with the prospective purchaser for 31 days, with a report back on October 9, 2025, and authorizing preparation of eminent domain proceedings if negotiations fail.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group and speaking on behalf of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, stated that the Port of Miami is the cruise capital of the world, with record 8.23 million passengers last year, generating over $10 billion in local economic activity, supporting more than 45,000 Miami-Dade County jobs, and fueling over $61 billion in total contribution statewide, sustaining more than 340,000 jobs. He urged the commission to safeguard the fuel facility, calling it essential for strategic economic security. He was joined by other cruise line executives: Josh Weinstein (Carnival), Rick Sasso (MSC USA), Dan Farkas and Juan Carillo (Norwegian), and Tom Galpin (Virgin).
• James Ferraro, Chairman of the Fisher Island Community Association, representing over 800 families, opposed keeping the fuel tanks, citing decades-long concerns about safety and the potential for redevelopment. He stated that the current owner, HRP, has a contract to remove the tanks in three years and remediate the land, and that the association does not support any action to retain the facility.
• Joe Copo, representing 1,500 labor workers from the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), pleaded for the facility to remain, emphasizing that losing it would reduce ship calls, harm jobs, and threaten the billions of dollars in economic impact. He stated, "We need it right there."

Discussion Items

• Mayor Daniella Levine Cava requested that the board authorize her administration to acquire the fuel facility through negotiation or eminent domain, noting that most major ports control their own fuel and that losing access would put Miami at an extreme competitive disadvantage.
• Commissioner Raquel Regalado presented a detailed proposal for the county to negotiate a purchase with the prospective buyer, with an appraisal and a cap on costs. She emphasized changing the port's culture to proactively monitor real estate opportunities, beautifying the site, and finding a long-term alternative location. Her motion originally included a directive to use eminent domain only if negotiations fail.
• Commissioner Kevin Gilbert argued for immediate initiation of eminent domain proceedings, stating that the county absolutely needs the property and has the funds to pay for it. He emphasized that negotiating before eminent domain would allow the county to deal with the current willing seller (TransMontane) rather than a future unwilling owner, and that time delays would only increase costs.
• Senator Garcia expressed concern about the procedural rush, calling eminent domain a "tough pillow to swallow" in a special meeting and urging more vetting. Commissioner Cohen Higgins echoed similar concerns, noting the absence of the seller or buyer to provide testimony.
• Commissioner Higgins (district commissioner) stressed the critical need for the fuel facility, warning that losing it would make the port unreliable, force cruise lines to other ports, and devastate the local economy. She supported immediate action to avoid a more expensive and difficult process later.
• Commissioner Steinberg sought clarity on the timeline and asked whether the two motions (Regalado's and Gilbert's) could be reconciled. She proposed a 30-day negotiation period with a report back, which was later incorporated.
• Commissioner Hardeman emphasized the urgency, warning that failure to act could harm the port's competitiveness and the livelihoods of thousands.

Key Outcomes

• After a tie vote (6-6) on Commissioner Gilbert's motion to immediately initiate eminent domain proceedings, and a failed motion to adjourn, Commissioner Regalado's motion was brought forward again with amendments: a 31-day negotiation period (amended from 30), a requirement for the administration to report back on October 9, 2025, and a cap on attorney fees and the incentive payment (1.5% over appraised value, down from 2.5%). The motion passed 7-4 (Commissioners Regalado, Steinberg, Hardeman, Higgins, Milian-Orbis, Vice Chairman McGee, and Chairman Rodriguez voting yes; Commissioners Gilbert, Gonzalez, Bastien, Cohen Higgins, and Senator Garcia voting no).
• The adopted motion directs the administration to:
  • Negotiate in good faith for 31 days with the prospective purchaser (or current owner) to acquire the fuel facility property for appraised value, plus incentives (reimbursement of verified costs, up to 1.5% over appraised value, reasonable attorney fees).
  • Employ appraisers, environmental experts, and other professionals.
  • Negotiate revenue-generating or cost-neutral contracts with cruise and cargo lines and for facility operation (subject to board approval).
  • Prepare a resolution for eminent domain proceedings if negotiations fail, to be presented at the October 9, 2025 board meeting.
  • Report back to the board on October 9 with an update on negotiations.
  • Upon acquisition, develop a beautification plan with the Fisher Island community associations.
  • Provide ongoing written reports of real properties suitable for port uses in the vicinity of PortMiami.
• The motion explicitly does not start eminent domain proceedings today; it sets a 31-day negotiation window and requires board approval before any condemnation action.