THE PORT EVERGLADES DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.
This action supports the Broward County Board of County Commissioners' (Board) Value of "Ensuring economic opportunities for Broward's diverse population and businesses" and Goal to "Increase the economic strength and impact of revenue-generating County enterprises balancing economic, environmental, and community needs."
On May 8, 2018 (Item No. 34-PH), Homeland Patrol Corporation (Homeland) was granted a nonexclusive franchise by the Board to provide marine terminal security services at Port Everglades for a term of one year, from May 8, 2018, through May 7, 2019. Homeland has applied for renewal of the franchise for an additional five-year term, from May 8, 2019, through May 7, 2024.
Homeland, formerly known as Federal Homeland Security Inc, was first registered to conduct business in the State of Florida on September 20, 2004. Homeland provides maritime security services for SEACOR Island Lines, a current Port user, at its Dania Beach, Florida, marine terminal, as well as general security services for the City of Opa-Locka, Hialeah Housing Authority, and Pullman Hotel, among others.
Staff has reviewed the marine terminal security franchise renewal application against the enumerated renewal criteria set forth in Chapter 32 of the Broward County Administrative Code. Staff’s due diligence included corresponding with Homeland's representative to clarify franchise requirements and reviewing Homeland's corporate status, resumes of executive staff and list of managerial personnel, business history/experience, litigation history, insurance, financial documents and creditworthiness, discharge of previous financial obligations to County, compliance with all franchise terms and conditions and established County rules and regulations, required licenses and certificates, company programs and policies, minimum training, licensing, and education requirements for employment, list of equipment to be used at Port Everglades, and statement of intended activities. Homeland's safety and environmental history was also reviewed, and no infractions were found. While Homeland did not provide any franchised security services at Port Everglades, staff followed up with SEACOR Island Lines, who indicated that the company continues to perform favorably at SEACOR's Dania Beach marine terminal. No false or misleading information was submitted as part of the franchise renewal application. Homeland has, through the submission of the signed franchise application, agreed to comply with all franchise conditions set forth in Section 32.24 of the Broward County Administrative Code.
Based on the review of information provided in the application, staff has determined that Homeland meets the criteria for renewal of a marine terminal security services franchise. Marine terminal security services franchises may be granted for any period of time up to five years. Past practice has been for staff to recommend granting the renewal of a marine terminal security services franchise for a term of five years. Accordingly, staff is recommending that the franchise be renewed for a five-year term. The complete application and supporting documents are on file in the Port Everglades Business Administration Division.
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