Import & Export Pallets in Florida PortMiami, Port Everglades & JAXPORT Compliance
Florida Pallet Supply • Updated 2026-03-30
Florida's three major container ports - PortMiami, Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), and JAXPORT (Jacksonville) - collectively handle over 6 million TEUs annually and serve as the primary gateways for US-Caribbean, US-Latin America, and trans-Atlantic trade. For any Florida shipper using these ports, pallet compliance is a non-negotiable operational requirement.
This guide covers everything Florida export and import operations need to know about pallet compliance at these three ports.
ISPM-15 certified pallets loaded for export delivery to PortMiami and Port Everglades
ISPM-15 at Florida Ports
All three Florida ports enforce ISPM-15 compliance for outbound shipments. Non-compliant wood pallets (no HT stamp, or HT stamp that has been compromised by untreated wood repairs) are flagged during US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspections or by destination country customs. Penalties include shipment holds, pallets confiscated and destroyed at shipper expense, re-palletizing fees, and missed vessel deadlines. At PortMiami and Port Everglades, where many shipments are time-sensitive produce or pharmaceuticals, missed vessel windows are catastrophic.
What to Look for When Sourcing Export Pallets
When sourcing pallets for export through Florida ports, verify: (1) Valid ISPM-15 HT stamp on every pallet (not MB - heat treatment only), (2) Any repairs used certified heat-treated lumber only, (3) Supplier can provide documentation of their ISPM-15 treatment facility certification on request, (4) Pallet dimensions match container loading specifications (most 20ft and 40ft ISO containers are optimized for 48x40 or 1200x800mm EUR pallets).
Importing Pallets Through Florida Ports
For shipments arriving at Florida ports on foreign wood pallets, USDA APHIS inspectors at PortMiami and Port Everglades inspect for ISPM-15 compliance and invasive species. Non-compliant pallets are seized and destroyed. If you are importing goods on supplier-provided pallets, instruct your overseas suppliers to use ISPM-15 certified pallets and confirm compliance in your purchase orders. Plastic pallets are exempt from ISPM-15 but still subject to USDA inspection for pest presence.
Same-Week Export Pallet Supply in Florida
Florida Pallet Supply maintains ready inventory of ISPM-15 certified heat-treated GMA 48x40 pallets and EUR 1200x800mm pallets for same-week delivery to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Jacksonville export operations. We can accommodate emergency orders and provide certificate documentation for your customs compliance files.
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard 40-foot ISO container (interior 38.5 ft long x 7.7 ft wide) fits 20-22 GMA 48x40 pallets per floor level. EUR 1200x800mm pallets fit slightly more due to smaller footprint. Confirm with your freight forwarder for specific loading configurations.
Verify the HT stamp is present, legible, and shows a valid US treatment facility certificate number. Confirm any repaired boards also carry HT markings. For high-value export shipments, require new certified pallets rather than recycled to eliminate compliance risk.
Canada requires ISPM-15 compliance on all wood packaging from the US. Mexico also requires ISPM-15 compliance. Both are major Florida trading partners for agricultural produce and manufactured goods.
Need Pallets?
Florida Pallet Supply delivers new, recycled, and custom pallets across FL, GA, NJ, MD & DE. Fast quotes, reliable weekly delivery.
