Subject:
Title
Legislative Intent and Permission to Advertise an Ordinance, re: the County's Optional Vessel Registration Fee
End
Fiscal Impact:
No fiscal impact for this action.
Dept/Office:
D3 Commission Office
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board:
1) Direct staff to prepare an RFP for a study reviewing the needs of the boating community and existing boating facilities in Brevard County.
2) Approve legislative intent and permission to advertise an ordinance imposing the county optional vessel registration fee and direct the County Attorney's Office to draft said ordinance, to be brought back to the Board upon receipt of the boating study.
3) Direct that the ordinance be placed on the agenda for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Boards and Marine Advisory Council along with the results of the study for their recommendations.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
Brevard County's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Indian River Lagoon, and St. John's river means that boating is prevalent in our community, both recreationally and commercially. Members of the boating community have contacted my office with concerns about the boating related infrastructure and accessibility of our bodies of water.
Brevard County currently receives funding from Vessel Registrations ($166,971.73 for FY24/25) for the Brevard Boating Improvement Program. Per F.S.S. 328.72(15) these funds can be used for "providing, maintaining, or operating recreational channel marking and other uniform waterway markers, public boat ramps, lifts, and hoists, marine railways, boat piers, docks, mooring buoys, and other public launching facilities; and removing derelict vessels, debris that specifically impedes boat access, not including the dredging of channels, and vessels and floating structures deemed a hazard to public safety and health..."
Florida State Statute Section 328.66 allows counties to impose an optional registration fee on vessels, sets the fee, and outl...
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