The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has completed initial work on the statewide database of criminal history records pertaining to seaport workers.  The system is known as the Seaport Eligibility System (SES), and was mandated and funded by the 2009 Florida Legislature.  Beginning July 12, 2010, all persons applying for a new or renewal port access badge at any public seaport in Florida will be automatically added to the SES.    To follow are two documents that provide additional information on this matter.  The first is an informational release prepared by the Florida Ports Council about the SES. This document is a collaborative effort of Florida ports.  The second item, prepared by the Tampa Port Authority, addresses key questions and answers regarding the SES. Both documents contain information about who to contact at the Tampa Port Authority for further clarification and to address any additional questions.

INFORMATIONAL RELEASE

Local Port Authority Contact:  For further information, please contact Tampa Port Authority Compliance Manager Jeff Smith at (813) 241-1881 or Security Sergeant Dan Abbitt at (813) 241-1899.

     State Criminal History Eligibility Reporting System for Seaport Workers

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has completed initial work on the statewide database of criminal history eligibility for seaport workers.  The Florida Legislature mandated the creation of this system to ensure that seaport workers that access more than one Florida seaport would not have to pay more than once for a state criminal history check.

Commencing July 12, 2010, all seaport workers that have completed or require a fingerprint criminal history check pursuant to state law will be entered into the statewide database.  Seaport workers will be entered into the system when they renew their seaport credentials or when they obtain their credentials for the first time. 

This database will retain the fingerprints and eligibility status of seaport workers.  It will allow other seaports to issue credentials to these workers using the eligibility status entered into the system by the “originating seaport” that checked the criminal history status of the individual the first time.  Enrollment in the State “Criminal History Eligibility Reporting System” does not guarantee port access.  Port access is decided at each individual port based upon several factors to include, but not limited to, business purpose for entry. The system is intended to maintain an ongoing notification of the worker’s criminal history.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Florida’s seaports will be working on the system during a planned roll-out phase (no longer than one-year) to ensure that the system operates efficiently and that any issues and problems are addressed.  During this roll-out phase, individuals will not have to pay any costs associated with maintenance and administration of the database.  After the roll-out phase, the Florida Legislature has mandated that FDLE charge a $50 five-year fee to the worker for the system.  This is in addition to any charges for the criminal history check and port administrative fee.  Florida ports are continuing to work with FDLE to develop a reduced fee for persons needing port access for one year or less.

During this roll-out phase, seaport workers will receive a one-year seaport credential.  After this roll-out phase, seaport workers will be eligible to receive a credential for up to five years. For those individuals possessing a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), a local seaport credential with the same expiration date as their TWIC may be issued.

Florida seaports continue to work with FDLE to mitigate impacts on port users wherever possible.

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1. Is there a fee to be entered in the system?  Not at this time, however within approximately one year or less FDLE will begin charging all users a $50.00 fee to maintain the system as required by state law.
2. Will I see significant changes to credentialing procedures at the Tampa Port Authority starting July 12, 2010?  No.  All of the current required documentation will remain essentially the same.
3. Will my fees for a new or renewal badge increase at the Tampa Port Authority?  No, not at this time.  Fees will increase when FDLE begins charging the $50.00 SES fee.
4. Will I automatically be granted access to other Florida ports? No, ports grant access based on a variety of reasons, however, you will not be charged for an additional state background check at other ports in Florida as long as you notify the other port that you have paid for a background at the Tampa Port Authority since July 12, 2010.
5. Will my name appear in SES if I have been denied access based on my criminal history? Yes.  All persons processed will be added to the system.
6. Is the appeal process the same if I am denied access based on my criminal history?  Yes.
7. Can I be added to the system without a fee if I applied for a port background check before July 12, 2010?  No.  The Tampa Port Authority has no way of entering an applicant in the system other than charging for a new background check.
8. For how long will my port access badge be valid?  Initially your badge will be valid for one year from the month it was last issued.  Once FDLE begins collecting the SES fee, badges may be valid for up to five years.  These rules are still being developed, so exact details are still not available to the Tampa Port Authority at this time.
9. Do I need a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) to apply for an access control badge at the Tampa Port Authority? No, but the Tampa Port Authority will begin collecting TWIC information from TWIC holders in the near future to comply with state requirements, at no cost.  Additional information will be provided to the port community in the near future regarding this issue.
10. Who can I contact if I need additional information?  For further information, please contact Tampa Port Authority Compliance Manager Jeff Smith at (813) 241-1881 or Security Sergeant Dan Abbitt at (813) 241-1899.