The Florida Ports Council announced Tuesday that it will undergo an organizational transition aimed at aligning the state’s seaport network with the demands of global trade and maritime logistics.
For decades, the Council has served Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports, guiding infrastructure investments, shaping state and federal policy, and promoting the state’s maritime interests on the national and international stage. The group’s restructuring marks what its leaders describe as a strategic step forward rather than a departure from its established mission.
“As our seaports evolve, so too must the structure that supports them,” said Michael Meekins, chairman of the Florida Ports Council. “This transition is not an end, but a bold new beginning, one that ensures Florida remains a leader in maritime commerce for generations to come.”
The Council did not provide specifics about the forthcoming changes but said details about the organization’s new leadership structure would be released in the coming weeks.
Officials described the move as part of a broader effort to support sustainable growth, technological advancement, and increased global connectivity across Florida’s ports.
Headquartered in Tallahassee, the Florida Ports Council operates as a nonprofit association governed by the directors of the state’s public seaports. It has played a role in uniting port leadership on key issues including supply chain resilience, infrastructure funding, and security coordination.

