Gov. Rick Scott Relaxes Security at Florida Ports

Florida Governor Rick Scott has signed a bill that reduces security measures at seaports throughout the state by eliminating separate state background checks for port employees. In doing so, Scott has put the safety of Florida residents behind the financial interests of Big Business at a nominal cost savings (up to $3 million, according to Scott).

Safeguarding Florida’s coasts should be of paramount importance to our legislators.  Our ports are particularly vulnerable to criminal activity and terrorist attacks, which is why secondary measures to ensure proper and adequate screening of prospective port employees were put in place.

Now that HB283 has been signed into law, individuals seeking employment at any Florida seaport will only be subject to a background check by the federal government.  When employees who would otherwise be denied employment under the additional state screening wind up working at a port, where adequate, non-negligent hiring and supervision are critical to the safety and well-being of Florida residents,  members of the public will be able to hold Big Business and the state accountable for their negligence in the event of a criminal attack or other criminal activity.

The injury and negligence attorneys at PERENICH The Law Firm have over 70 years of combined experience in litigating and settling lawsuits based on injuries and harm caused by negligent hiring, negligent entrustment, and negligent security practices as a result of a criminal attack or other wrongful act.