Council approves 6-month extension to limit boat rentals in Port of Destin

Destin, Florida (WKRGMore) — The Destin City Council voted unanimously on Monday night to extend the moratorium on painting vessels for an additional six months.

A moratorium introduced in 2019 will prevent all current painting vessel operations from adding new boats to their fleets if they are operating out of port. The ordinance was passed with a motion to conduct a full harbor capacity study on boat traffic and the environmental impact of felts on the harbor.

A livery vessel is defined as a temporary rental vessel. SB 606 will enter into force in January 2023, changing the language and rules for painted vessels.

A “livery” is defined as someone who offers a ship for others to use in exchange for something.
the type of consideration if such person does not provide the lessee or even the lessee
captain, crew or staff or personnel of any kind operating, supervising, maintaining or managing
container.

Florida SB 606

According to the ordinance, when starting a business, current boats can be transferred from existing companies, but new boats are prohibited.

The moratorium was requested to be made permanent by Mayor Gary Jarvis in October. Council members have approved an ordinance to consider extending the suspension until June 2023, when the port’s capacity study is completed and new legislation takes effect.

US Army Corps of Engineers liberated The preliminary port survey results were submitted to the Council in October.

Average daily traffic to and from Destin Harbor:

	fishing charter	tour charter	livery pontoon	personal pontoon	personal ship	yacht	jet ski	non motor craft	total average
holiday weekend	61	234	470	191	833	8	388	19	2,204
Regular holiday	74	340	587	124	531	9	404	twenty two	2,091
weekday	97	282	466	124	252	11	294	14	1,540

A decision to make the moratorium permanent will likely be made in April 2023, when the Council can fully review the USACE research data.

In 2017, the city began negotiations for a paint boat permit.

“The City Council has heard concerns that (1) Destin Harbor congestion is being disproportionately affected by vessel proliferation;
number of inexperienced and ineffective seafarers.
Danger to public health, safety and welfare; (2) proliferation of blood vessels;
Rentals contribute to the deterioration of water quality in and around Destin. ”

Destin City Agenda Item Description – 2022-5983