Commercial_Water-Based_Charter_Boat_and_Tour_Operator_Permit_Pilot_Program,_Procedures_and_Guidelines.pdf

PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES

COMMERCIAL WATER-BASED CHARTER BOAT AND TOUR OPERATOR PERMIT

PILOT PROGRAM PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 1 of 7

A. PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE

The purpose of these Procedures and Guidelines is to establish the requirements for the Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Operator Permit Program which permits businesses to provide recreational fishing trips, sightseeing tours, and dive trips from designated Sarasota County-owned or operated parks, beaches or other properties. The Program supports the Mission, Vision, and Values of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR).

MISSION: To provide clean, safe and inclusive parks with diverse opportunities for all.

VISION: A dynamic parks system that is essential to quality of life and enriches our community through participation, connection, and diverse recreational opportunities.

VALUES: Stewardship, Innovation, Respect, Teamwork, Quality of Life

In support of the above, the Program is intended to:

Manage and balance access for the public and Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Operators.

Provide clear guidelines.

Protect, respect, and preserve our outstanding natural resources.

Support natural resource-based recreational opportunities through environmental stewardship.

Promote visitors’ reconnection with nature and eco-tour water-based experiences.

B. BACKGROUND

The Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Operator Permit Program was developed in response to unauthorized commercial charter and tour activity occurring at County water access parks. Following evaluation by County staff, a Board-appointed task force, and subsequent Board direction, the Pilot Program was approved by the Board of County Commissioners on January 27, 2026.

The program is administered pursuant to Sarasota County Code Section 90-33 and other applicable County requirements.

ATTACHMENT A

Commercial Water Based Charter Boat and Tour Operator Permit Pilot Program Procedures and Guidelines

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 2 of 7

C. RESOURCES

CAPRA Standard Chapter 6.5 (Cooperative Recreation Programming) Appendix A: Site-Specific Procedures and Guidelines – North County Zone Appendix B: Site-Specific Procedures and Guidelines – South County Zone

D. DEFINITIONS

Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Operator. Any properly permitted business that provides recreational charter fishing trips or excursion tours from a designated Sarasota County-owned or operated park, water access location, or other property and accepts compensation for such activity. The term “Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Operator” is further defined to include the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV 6-pack) license, which allows up to six (6) paying passengers for hire. This definition explicitly excludes “bareboat charter” rentals, jet ski or personal watercraft rentals.

Commercial Activity. Directly or indirectly promoting or selling commercial services through giveaways, sales, rentals, or any other exchange of value.

Water-based. Activities conducted in or on the water that encompass both marine and inland waterway activities that rely on water for their appeal.

Charter Boat. A vessel rented to individuals or groups for recreational charter fishing that includes a captain and/or crew to navigate and operate the vessel.

Tour Operator. A business that provides a planned excursion or tour for a group of people as a type of charter.

Bareboat Charter. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) defines a bareboat charter (or demise charter) as a contractual agreement where the vessel owner completely surrenders possession, command, and navigation of the vessel to the charterer.

Permit Holder. Any properly permitted business or commercial water-based entity that has been awarded a formal operating permit to legally conduct commercial activities for compensation from designated park locations.

Company Vehicle. A vehicle, with or without a trailer affixed, used by a Permit Holder or its employees to transact business or support operations.

E. PROCEDURE

1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION

a. Permit Holders shall maintain an up-to-date list of company employees and submit any changes to the Administrative Agent or designee.

b. Permit Holders shall provide a briefing to all customers prior to any tour or excursion, to include an overview of proper interaction with natural resources, safety guidelines and applicable laws, such as:

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 3 of 7

i. Adherence to the principles of “Leave No Trace,” including minimizing impacts to natural resources, respecting wildlife, disposing of waste properly, and leaving natural and cultural resources undisturbed.

ii. Prohibition against feeding, touching or disturbing any plant, wildlife or habitat.

iii. Prohibition against gathering, trimming or removing any vegetation.

iv. Fishing pursuant to Federal, State, and Local guidelines is permissible only with a valid Florida Fishing License, if required.

v. Prohibition of fish processing including the cleaning, filleting, or processing of fish by commercial charter and tour operators on all County park property, including but not limited to docks, seawalls, boat ramps, and parking areas. All commercial catch must be landed in a whole condition or processed off-site at a private facility or on-board the vessel if compliant with state law. Disposal of fish remains (offal) into park waters or waste receptacles is prohibited per Sarasota County Code.

c. When within a park, Permit Holders are responsible for cleaning up after themselves, their employees and customers.

d. Permit Holders must have appropriate staffing to ensure the safe operation of vessels during and upon return from charters and/or tours. Vessels shall not be left unattended.

e. Permit Holders are not to interfere with the use and/or enjoyment of any Sarasota County park and/or beach by the general public.

f. Permit Holders are not permitted to trim, alter or remove any vegetation on park property.

g. While conducting activities within a Sarasota County park, the Permit Holder and Permit Holder staff shall refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages.

h. Permit Holders must abide by all posted park rules, County Facility Rules and Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Operator Permit Procedures and Guidelines.

i. Unless otherwise designated, no dogs or other animals are allowed, except for service animals.

j. Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources does not provide a weather monitoring system or associated alerts/advisories to park users. The determination to be outdoors during adverse weather conditions rests solely with park users.

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 4 of 7

Lightning and other weather-related phenomena are known hazards, and everyone has a responsibility to monitor their environment. Upon the issuance of a Hurricane Watch/Warning, Tropical Storm Watch/Warning, or any emergency declaration by the National Weather Service or local officials for Sarasota County, all Permit Holders must remove all vessels, vehicles, and trailers from park facilities within four (4) hours of a request or notification by the County. The County reserves the absolute right to temporarily close any boat ramp, dock, or parking area for emergency repairs, storm debris removal, or public safety assessments. Permit Holders will be notified of such closures through Sarasota County Government staff or official alerts and must comply immediately.

k. All Permit Holders shall ensure their business identity is easily recognizable while operating on County property. This requirement may be satisfied by employees wearing company-branded apparel, identification badges, or by displaying clear, visible company branding (such as logos, decals, or signs) on the vessel itself.

l. Permit Holders are prohibited from:

i. Canvassing with any brochures, flyers, or other promotional literature, verbal callouts and giveaways.

ii. While utilizing park property, Permit Holders are prohibited from selling physical merchandise, retail goods, food, or any goods or services other than their approved charter boat and tour operator services.

m. Permit Holders may:

i. Display banners, logos, and signs painted on or permanently attached to the vessel or vessel hull.

ii. Display one (1) A-frame sign for active use only authorized during the expeditious pick-up and drop-off of passengers. All non-vessel signage must be removed from park property immediately following the loading/unloading period. Signage must not block pedestrian walkways or violate ADA accessibility standards.

n. Refer to Appendix A for Site-Specific Procedures and Guidelines for North County Zone.

o. Refer to Appendix B for Site-Specific Procedures and Guidelines for South County Zone.

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 5 of 7

2. EQUIPMENT

a. All Permit Holders must provide appropriate safety equipment as required by all applicable Local, State and Federal laws and/or ordinances.

b. All vessels, personal flotation devices, and additional safety equipment must remain in good condition at all times.

c. Charter and tour guides must have U.S. Coast Guard approved signaling device(s).

3. PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF

a. Permit Holders shall conduct their primary commercial operations, including vessel launching, retrieval, embarkation, and disembarkation activities, from the park location assigned to their permit. Permit Holders may pick up or drop off customers at other County-authorized locations within their permitted zone provided such activity is secondary to a trip originating from or returning to the assigned park location. Permit Holders shall not regularly moor vessels, tie up vessels, embark or disembark passengers, advertise services, maintain equipment, or otherwise conduct primary commercial operations from a location other than the park location assigned to their permit unless approved in writing by the County.

b. All Permit Holders must possess a valid permit medallion for each vessel in operation. The medallion is not required to be permanently attached to the vessel but must be kept on board and readily available to be shown on request to any County staff or law enforcement officer. The medallion must remain on the vessel during the entire duration of its commercial use, from arrival at the park location, for all time spent on the water, and until the vessel's return.

4. RECORDING AND REPORTING

a. Permit Holders must maintain a record of each customer’s name and local contact number to aid with locating the customer in the event of an emergency.

b. If a customer reports an injury or accident to a Permit Holder or if a Permit Holder is aware of an injury or accident that requires medical services, Permit Holder shall notify County staff or assigned Administrative Agent within 24 hours of incident.

c. Permit Holder shall keep a record of all accident reports for two

(2) years after each event; all records shall be available to Sarasota County personnel upon request.

d. All commercial trips and passenger counts shall be logged prior to the vessels departing via the Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Operator Reporting Form as provided by County

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 6 of 7 staff. In the event the Reporting Form is unavailable, all commercial trips and passenger counts must be reported to County staff and/or the assigned Administrative Agent.

5. VIOLATIONS AND PERMIT REVOCATION

a. The County reserves the right to perform inspections and/or reviews with or without advanced notice, and to delay and/or suspend any permitted operator found to be out of compliance with the Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Operator Permit Program until the violation is corrected. Violation of any aspect of the Procedures and Guidelines may result in termination.

b. If a Permit Holder or its employee(s) violates the Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Operator Permit Program with curable actions, the following will occur:

i. First notice of curable action within a single permit program year: Permit Holder is provided notification of violation and violation must be corrected prior to resuming operations.

ii. Second notice of curable action within a single permit program year: Permit Holder is provided notification of violation and violation must be corrected prior to resuming operations.

iii. Third notice of curable action within a single permit program year: Permit Holder is provided notification of violation; Permit Holder is issued a three (3) day suspension of permit privileges at County’s discretion and violation must be corrected prior to resuming operations.

iv. Fourth notice of curable action within a single permit program year: Permit Holder is provided notification of violation; Permit Holder is issued a seven (7) day suspension of permit privileges at County’s discretion and violation must be corrected prior to resuming operations.

v. Fifth notice of curable action within a single permit program year: Permit Holder is provided notification of violation. County will consider all options to terminate permit.

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 7 of 7

F. HISTORICAL RECORD

Date Ver Notes Director Approved Signature

7/6/26 1 Initial Procedures and Guidelines established.

Shawn Yeager

10/5/26 2 Revised Procedures and Guidelines and associated appendices in conjunction with program rebid.

Shawn Yeager

The PRNR Business Operations Division will review these procedures, guidelines, and included attachments annually or as needed.

APPENDIX A

SITE-SPECIFIC PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

NORTH COUNTY ZONE

In addition to the general Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Operator Permit Program Procedures and Guidelines, each designated zone and its respective park locations are subject to site-specific operational procedures and guidelines.

Permit Holders must strictly adhere to these localized rules for boat ramp, dock, and seawall access. Failure to comply with any site-specific procedure or guideline may result in enforcement actions, permit suspension, or revocation as set forth in the Permit Program Procedures and Guidelines.

The North County Zone is comprised of two (2) park locations: Nora Patterson Bay Island Park and Turtle Beach Park. A total of thirty (30) OUPV permits are allocated within the North County Zone.

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 1 of 6

A. NORA PATTERSON BAY ISLAND PARK

Address: 946 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243

Ownership/Jurisdiction: Sarasota County-owned and operated park located within the City of Sarasota; Sarasota County park rules and City of Sarasota codes and ordinances apply.

Park Hours: 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Commercial operations for Permit Holders shall be conducted only during official park hours.

Permit Allocation: Twenty (20) OUPV permits.

Water Access: 165 feet of sea wall/dock space with mounted cleats located on the south portion of the park.

Amenities: Fishing, picnic tables, and restroom facilities which are shared by all users of the park on a first-come, first-served basis, unless the space is specifically reserved. Permit Holders shall not monopolize or obstruct these shared amenities for client staging or orientation to the exclusion of the general public.

B. TURTLE BEACH PARK

Address: 8918 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242

Ownership/Jurisdiction: Sarasota County-owned park; Sarasota County park rules, codes, and ordinances apply.

Park Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Commercial operations for Permit Holders shall be conducted only during official park hours.

Permit Allocation: Ten (10) OUPV permits.

Water Access: Two (2) public boat ramps for motorized vessels and 400 feet of linear dock space with four (4) docks with access to Blind Pass Lagoon.

Appendix A: Site-Specific Procedures and Guidelines – North County Zone

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 2 of 6

Amenities: Parking, beach accesses, canoe/kayak launch, fishing pier, grills, picnic shelters, pavilions, and restroom facilities which are shared by all users of the park on a first-come, first-served basis, unless the space is specifically reserved. Permit Holders shall not monopolize or obstruct these shared amenities for client staging or orientation to the exclusion of the general public.

C. GENERAL

1. Permit Holder pick-ups and drop-offs may occur at the specified park locations within the specified park and facility hours, seven days per week.

2. County park staff are onsite during varying days and/or hours.

3. Permit Holders shall make use of courtesy docks, if available, to load and unload passengers so as not to impede or delay other boaters waiting to use boat ramps, docks, or seawall areas. If vessels are scheduled for re-launch soon on the same day, County staff may authorize a longer time period, contingent upon available seawall/dock space and capacity at the specified park location. Moor or Mooring means the act of docking, beaching, landing, intentional grounding, tying off, or otherwise securing a Vessel. Moor or Mooring does not include Anchoring. Permit Holders are permitted to moor but shall not do so in a manner that impedes, restricts, or otherwise interferes with the use of public docks, launching ramps, or other public waterfront facilities.

4. Permit Holders shall not claim ownership of, list as a primary business location, or create exclusive commercial business pins for 946 Siesta Drive, Nora Patterson Bay Island Park, 8918 Midnight Pass Road, or Turtle Beach Park on Google Maps, Apple Maps, Yelp, or similar digital applications. No single commercial operator may control or claim an individual park address in a manner that excludes, restricts, or blocks other permitted County operators from being visible or utilizing the same public location for their digital business presence.

D. PARKING

1. Permit Holders must park Company Vehicles and trailers strictly within existing public and boat trailer parking spaces. Parking in areas not specifically marked for boat trailers, or blocking ramps, staging lanes, and walkways, is strictly prohibited. Unauthorized or improperly parked vehicles and trailers are subject to ticketing and towing at the owner’s expense.

2. Permit Holders may utilize existing public boat trailer parking spaces on a first-come, first-served basis; no parking spaces will be exclusively designated, reserved, or added for commercial use.

A Permit Holder is limited to parking one (1) Company Vehicle with an attached trailer within the park location at any given time.

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 3 of 6

If a Permit Holder holds the maximum allowance of two (2) permits within a single zone, a second Company Vehicle and trailer may be parked, strictly subject to space availability.

3. Permit Holders, employees, and guides must have proof of a valid County permit or the vessel medallion readily available to be shown upon request to any County staff while operating or parked within a park location.

4. Permit Holders may leave one trailer, detached from a tow vehicle, within an assigned parking space during normal park hours for no more than 24 hours, regardless of whether the Permit Holder or Permit Holder staff is onsite (including on the water). Any trailer left for more than 24 consecutive hours without prior written authorization from the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department is considered a violation and may result in a citation or towing at the owner’s expense.

E. IMAGERY

The following photographs are provided for reference to illustrate the designated park locations and associated boat ramps, docks, seawalls, and other water access areas available for permitted operations.

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 4 of 6

NORA PATTERSON BAY ISLAND PARK LOCATION IMAGERY

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 5 of 6

TURTLE BEACH PARK LOCATION IMAGERY

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 6 of 6

TURTLE BEACH PARK LOCATION IMAGERY

APPENDIX B

SITE-SPECIFIC PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

SOUTH COUNTY ZONE

In addition to the general Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Operator Permit Program Procedures and Guidelines, each designated zone and its respective park locations are subject to site-specific operational procedures and guidelines.

Permit Holders must strictly adhere to these localized rules for boat ramp, dock, and seawall access. Failure to comply with any site-specific procedure or guideline may result in enforcement actions, permit suspension, or revocation as set forth in the Permit Program Procedures and Guidelines.

The South County Zone is comprised of three (3) park locations: Indian Mound Park, Marina Park and Boat Ramp (Venice), and Nokomis Beach Public Boat Ramp.

A total of thirty (30) OUPV permits are allocated within the South County Zone.

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 1 of 10

A. INDIAN MOUND PARK

Address: 210 Winson Ave., Englewood, FL 34223

Ownership/Jurisdiction: Sarasota County-owned park; Sarasota County park rules, codes, and ordinances apply.

Park Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Commercial operations for Permit Holders shall be conducted only during official park hours.

Permit Allocation: Five (5) OUPV permits.

Water Access: Two (2) boat ramps, located on the north and south sides. The north and south docks are L-shaped and each measure 241 linear feet. The middle dock is 187 feet in length.

Amenities: Boat ramp (motorized and non-motorized), canoe/kayak launch, fishing, picnic tables, pavilions and restroom facilities which are shared by all users of the park on a first-come, first-served basis, unless the space is specifically reserved.

Permit Holders shall not monopolize or obstruct these shared amenities for client staging or orientation to the exclusion of the general public.

B. MARINA PARK AND BOAT RAMP (VENICE)

Address: 301 E. Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285

Ownership/Jurisdiction: Located within the City of Venice, maintained by Sarasota County, and owned by the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND); Sarasota County park rules, codes, and ordinances apply.

Park Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Commercial operations for Permit Holders shall be conducted only during official park hours.

Permit Allocation: Five (5) OUPV permits.

Appendix B: Site-Specific Procedures and Guidelines – South County Zone

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 2 of 10

Water Access: One (1) public boat ramp with two (2) launch lanes for motorized vessels. A dock is located on each side of the ramp, measuring 92 feet in length, with access to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Amenities: Boat ramp and picnic shelters which are shared by all users of the park on a first-come, first-served basis, unless the space is specifically reserved.

Permit Holders shall not monopolize or obstruct these shared amenities for client staging or orientation to the exclusion of the general public.

Nearby restroom facilities at this location are located at Legacy Park and Venice Train Depot.

C. NOKOMIS BEACH PUBLIC BOAT RAMP

Address: 101 Casey Key Road, Nokomis, FL 34275

Ownership/Jurisdiction: Sarasota County-owned park; Sarasota County park rules, codes, and ordinances apply.

Park Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. The boat ramp is open 24 hours a day solely for launching and retrieving watercraft; however, commercial operations for Permit Holders are limited to official park hours.

Permit Allocation: Twenty (20) OUPV permits.

Water Access: One (1) public boat ramp with two (2) launch lanes for motorized vessels. Docks are located on each side of the ramp, measuring 204 feet in length, with access to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Amenities: Beach access, boat ramp, canoe/kayak launch, fishing pier, grills, picnic shelters, pavilions, and restroom facilities which are shared by all users of the park on a first-come, first-served basis, unless the space is specifically reserved. Permit Holders shall not monopolize or obstruct these shared amenities for client staging or orientation to the exclusion of the general public.

D. GENERAL

1. Permit Holder pick-ups and drop-offs may occur at the specified park locations within the specified park and facility hours, seven days per week.

2. County park staff are onsite during varying days and/or hours.

3. Permit Holders shall make use of courtesy docks, if available, to load and unload passengers so as not to impede or delay other boaters waiting to use boat ramps, docks, or seawall areas. If vessels are scheduled for re-launch soon on the same day, County staff may authorize a longer time period, contingent upon available seawall/dock

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 3 of 10 space and capacity at the specified park location. Moor or Mooring means the act of docking, beaching, landing, intentional grounding, tying off, or otherwise securing a Vessel. Moor or Mooring does not include Anchoring. Permit Holders are permitted to moor but shall not do so in a manner that impedes, restricts, or otherwise interferes with the use of public docks, launching ramps, or other public waterfront facilities.

4. Permit Holders shall not claim ownership of, list as a primary business location, or create exclusive commercial business pins for 100 Casey Key Road (Nokomis Beach Park), 210 Winson Ave (Indian Mound Park), or 301 E. Venice Ave (Marina Park and Boat Ramp) on Google Maps, Apple Maps, Yelp, or similar digital applications. No single commercial operator may control or claim an individual park address in a manner that excludes, restricts, or blocks other permitted County operators from being visible or utilizing the same public location for their digital business presence.

E. PARKING

1. Permit Holders must park Company Vehicles and trailers strictly within existing public and boat trailer parking spaces. Parking in areas not specifically marked for boat trailers, or blocking ramps, staging lanes, and walkways, is strictly prohibited. Unauthorized or improperly parked vehicles and trailers are subject to ticketing and towing at the owner’s expense.

2. Permit Holders may utilize existing public boat trailer parking spaces on a first-come, first-served basis; no parking spaces will be exclusively designated, reserved, or added for commercial use. A Permit Holder is limited to parking one (1) Company Vehicle with an attached trailer within the park location at any given time. If a Permit Holder holds the maximum allowance of two (2) permits within a single zone, a second Company Vehicle and trailer may be parked, strictly subject to space availability.

3. Permit Holders, employees, and guides must have proof of a valid County permit or the vessel medallion readily available to be shown upon request to any County staff while operating or parked within a park location.

4. Permit Holders may leave one trailer, detached from a tow vehicle, within an assigned parking space during normal park hours for no more than 24 hours, regardless of whether the Permit Holder or Permit Holder staff is onsite (including on the water). Any trailer left for more than 24 consecutive hours without prior written authorization from the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department is considered a violation and may result in a citation or towing at the owner’s expense.

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 4 of 10

F. IMAGERY

The following photographs are provided for reference to illustrate the designated park locations and associated boat ramps, docks, seawalls, and other water access areas available for permitted operations.

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 5 of 10

INDIAN MOUND PARK/BOAT RAMP LOCATION IMAGERY

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 6 of 10

INDIAN MOUND PARK/BOAT RAMP LOCATION IMAGERY

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 7 of 10

MARINA PARK/BOAT RAMP VENICE LOCATION IMAGERY

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 8 of 10

MARINA PARK/BOAT RAMP VENICE LOCATION IMAGERY

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 9 of 10

NOKOMIS BEACH PARK/BOAT RAMP LOCATION IMAGERY

Rev. October 5, 2026 Page 10 of 10

NOKOMIS BEACH PARK/BOAT RAMP LOCATION IMAGERY