At least two companies have received U.S. government approval to operate ferries between Florida and Cuba, their executives confirmed Tuesday.
The ferry services would be the first approved to the communist-led island since Washington imposed its embargo more than 50 years ago.
Havana Ferry Partners of Fort Lauderdale obtained approval five years after applying for a license.
"I'm very excited," managing partner Leonard Moecklin said after receiving official word of its approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security.
Also approved was United Americas of Miami, a venture developed by former cruise ship executive Bruce Nierenberg.