The City has experienced a rise in the number of licensed charter boat operators during the last two years. There are currently 70 Charter Boat BTRs with a total of 147 vessels licensed in the City. This number of vessels, added with charter boats from the mainland maneuvering in our waterways, leads to a substantial amount of traffic in our waters.
Over the last five years, the City of Miami Beach has seen an over 500% growth in the number of Charter Boat BTRs, with an approximate 300% increase in the number of vessels in our waterways.
Charter Boat BTR's -Fiscal Year 2018 - 2022
Fiscal Year |
# of Charter BTR's |
# of Vessels |
2018 |
13 |
47 |
2019 |
16 |
62 |
2020 |
14 |
61 |
2021 |
52 |
125 |
2022 |
70 |
147 |
Before obtaining BTR for Charter Boat business, the marine applicant must first obtain:
· Certificate of Use: Planning and Zoning review of docking locations for loading/unloading.
· Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority: advisory review and approval of applications.
· Risk Management Division: comprehensive insurance review of applicant’s insurance to protect the assets of the City.
· BTR: review of compliance with City Code, County Ordinances and State Statutes.
Conclusion
The Administration is seeking policy guidance from the Committee after a discussion of marine operators in our waterways.