Commission asks attorney to draft policy clarifying allowable uses of commissioner discretionary funds under Fla. Stat. 315.031

Port Canaveral commissioners on Oct. 22 directed counsel to draft a policy clarifying how commissioners may use discretionary port funds and what approvals are required under Florida law.

Commissioner discussion followed a question about a roughly $1,500 discretionary allowance historically available to commissioners for community sponsorships or port representation. Harold (port counsel) handed out and read from Florida Statute 315.031, which addresses expenditure authority for deepwater ports. Counsel noted the statute permits port funds to be spent for port‑related public outreach, advertising, sponsorships, and similar activities if they are in the port’s interest.

“ If it fits this, it’s lawful,” counsel said, explaining the statute sets the outer bounds for permissible uses. Commissioners expressed differing comfort levels about individual discretionary spending and whether individual commissioners should be able to allocate the funds without full commission approval. Several commissioners asked staff to draft a policy to provide clarity and guard against real or perceived misuse; one commissioner asked that the policy include a process for board approval when appropriate.

Why it matters: port money must be used for port‑related purposes and in compliance with state law. Commissioners said a written policy would provide transparent guidance and public record for how discretionary funds are used.

Next steps: counsel will draft a proposed policy for commission review at a future meeting to define allowable uses, approval processes and reporting requirements.