Florida Officials Criticize Port Canaveral’s Cruise Terminal Expansion

Port Canaveral’s proposed expansion is facing strong opposition from top Florida officials. The planned new cruise terminal, which aims to accommodate larger ships by the summer of 2026, has raised concerns about its impact on existing infrastructure and funding.

In a letter sent on Friday, Florida’s commerce secretary J. Alex Kelly and transportation secretary Jared Perdue cautioned that Port Canaveral risks losing critical state infrastructure funding if it does not address the needs of both the cruise and space industries. The expansion, which includes a new cruise terminal and parking garages at North Cargo Berth 8, has been criticized for potentially interfering with plans to expand liquefied natural gas facilities crucial to the space sector.

Kelly and Perdue emphasized the importance of balancing support for both cruise tourism and commercial space launches. They warned that Port Canaveral’s current proposal could undermine the state’s broader goals for space industry growth. “Florida’s cruise tourism and commercial space launch sectors are both vitally important,” the letter stated. “The port has announced its intention to support one sector to the direct detriment of the other. That decision must, therefore, be reversed.”

The state officials indicated that if Port Canaveral does not amend its expansion plans, they might consider redirecting funds to other seaports and spaceports or even halting financial support for the port’s projects.

In response, Port Canaveral spokesman Steven Linden assured that the port’s leadership is committed to working with state officials to resolve the issue. “The port has been an integral part of the commercial space industry’s growth and operations in our state, and our commitment to the enterprise remains strong,” Linden said. “We look forward to working in partnership with Secretary Perdue and Secretary Kelly towards a positive resolution.”