Ferry company Balearia, which operates the Bahamas Express from Florida is the latest to be given the official OK to start ferry services to Cuba.
The Spanish company said it received approval and plans a high-speed service from Key West and a ferry from Port Everglades to Cuba.
It expects US Treasury Department authorization "in the coming weeks" a company statement said.
A number of major shipping companies have been jockeying for position to begin sea crossings to Cuba with Havana Ferry Partners of Fort Lauderdale, Baja Ferries from Miami, and United Caribbean Lines from the Orlando area among the first to be approved in May.
Ferry services could begin again after a five decade gap later this year, although Americans can still only visit Cuba under certain ‘purposeful’ rules, which include family visits, government business, education, religious and humanitarian activities.
Balearia also hinted it may apply to operate sailings between Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic.
