Everything that gets shipped to Puerto Rico goes through Orlando FL first, what is that all about?

This is the second thing that I learned about Puerto Rico from the same dude, the first being the fact that Puerto Ricans can only vote in presidential primaries but not in the general presidential elections.

Here are some facts about this shipping dilema from World to Puerto Rico:

The requirement that goods shipped to Puerto Rico must come via an American ship is due to the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly known as the Jones Act.

The Jones Act mandates that goods transported by water between U.S. ports must be carried on ships that are built, owned, and operated by United States citizens or permanent residents.

This law impacts Puerto Rico in several ways:

Increased Shipping Costs: Since Puerto Rico must rely on American ships for importing goods, shipping costs are often higher compared to using potentially cheaper foreign vessels.

Limited Shipping Routes: The necessity to use American ships can lead to less direct shipping routes. While not all goods necessarily go through Orlando, many do pass through mainland U.S. ports, including ports in Florida, which can be seen as logistical hubs for shipments to Puerto Rico.

Economic Impact: The higher shipping costs and less direct routes can result in higher prices for goods in Puerto Rico, impacting the cost of living and business operations on the island.

The Jones Act has been a topic of debate for years, with critics arguing that it places an undue economic burden on Puerto Rico and other non-contiguous U.S. territories, while supporters claim it is essential for maintaining a strong U.S. maritime industry and national security.

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