OHPA BUSINESS

The monthly meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM unless indicated below or on the posted Meeting Agenda. 

Any changes to the meeting dates, times, or location will be indicated as part of the Meeting Agenda posted here on the Home page.

Meeting Location:

Peck Center Auditorium (Willie Mae Ashley)
516 S 10th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

The Ocean Highway and Port Authority (OHPA) is governed by five elected commissioners, each representing one of Nassau County’s five voting districts. Commissioners serve staggered four year terms to ensure continuity in governance.

Originally chartered in 1941, OHPA was established as a body politic and corporate and as a subdivision of the State of Florida. In 1961, the Legislature renamed it the Ocean Highway and Port Authority and expanded its mandate, directing OHPA to serve as an economic driver for Nassau County and designated areas of Duval and Baker Counties. As the Port’s governing body, OHPA holds policy making, budgeting, and oversight authority for all port activities. Port operations are carried out by Relay Terminals, a private operator engaged under an Operating Agreement dated October 19, 2018.

OHPA does not levy taxes and does not pay taxes. As a Special District established by the State of Florida, OHPA functions as a non profit governmental entity and is therefore not subject to taxation.

Under its Charter, OHPA may undertake projects within Nassau, Duval, and Baker Counties. The Authority is exempt from taxation by the State of Florida and by all counties, municipalities, and political subdivisions on property it owns. OHPA relies on the financial viability of its projects to fund operations. Its statutory powers include acquiring property through negotiation or condemnation; setting tariffs; entering secure agreements with governmental entities; incurring indebtedness; planning, developing, or leasing its properties; and regulating land use and buildings on OHPA owned lands. OHPA exercises powers similar to those of a local government and remains accountable to the voters of Nassau County.

OHPA’s principal public purpose is to promote economic development in Nassau County. It fulfills this mission by constructing and improving deepwater port facilities, industrial parks, marinas, and transportation infrastructure that support the region’s logistics, shipping, and commercial needs. In carrying out these responsibilities, OHPA considers community impacts, regional and state economic objectives, and the regulatory requirements of numerous governmental agencies.

OHPA’s fiscal year runs from October 1 through September 30.



Port of Fernandina 5-Year Florida Seaport Mission Plan

Voting District Map

The Voting District Map has been provided by the Nassau County Supervisor of Elections.

Click here to go to the Nassau County Supervisor of Elections website.

Operation Area Map

OHPA Mission Statement

The Ocean Highway and Port Authority was created in 1941 and authorized to carry out public purposes to benefit to the citizens of the County of Nassau and the State of Florida.

(Ch. 21418,S12.Sp. Acts 1941)