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Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Operator Program Permits
Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Operator FAQs
What is the Commercial Water-based Charter Board and Tour Operator Permit Program?
It is a pilot program to establish a formal permit process allowing legal operation of OUPV “6 Pack” charters and tour excursions from County parks within select locations in north and south county.
The program would allow for two permits per business per zone (one vessel per permit).
When will the Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Operator program be implemented?
The Board approved the pilot program on January 27, 2026. Staff is developing a scope of services for a future procurement solicitation. Based on current estimates, implementation within the next 9-12 months.
- Solicitation Development: 2-4 months
- Bid Process (including contract development): 3-4 months
- Program Start: 3 months post contract execution
What locations will the program operate out of?
The proposed locations include Nora Patterson Bay Island Park, Turtle Beach Park Boat Ramp, Indian Mound Park, Marina Park and Boat Ramp (Venice), and Nokomis Beach Boat Ramp.
How many permit medallions will be available through the program?
Staff have recommended 60 permits to be issued in the initial year, to be split between north and south county. After one year, the County will review program impacts on the park system to determine whether additional permits can be issued.
How will the bidding process work?
The County will issue a formal solicitation through its standard procurement process. Visit scgov.net keyword “Procurement” to learn more about how to do business with the county.
How will we be able to find out that the bidding process is starting?
All solicitations are advertised through OpenGov.
Visit https://www.scgov.net/government/financial-management/other-documents/procurement to register.
Who will be handling the process?
The solicitation and bidding process will be managed by the Sarasota County Office of Financial Management - Procurement in accordance with County procurement procedures.
Will it be a fair process, without preference to those connected to the council and committee?
Yes. All County solicitations are conducted through a competitive, transparent process in accordance with County procurement policies.
Is there any consideration to those who live, own property, and pay taxes, not only in the county but for example, near the park on Siesta Key?
At this time, eligibility is based on the criteria approved by the Board for the pilot program. Residency, property ownership, or tax status are not part of the eligibility criteria, however, if the pilot permit program were to be solicited as an Invitation for Bid (IFB), then local preference would be applicable, per section 2-2-15 of the Sarasota County Procurement Code. “Local business” means:
- The vendor has maintained a permanent physical business address located within the limits of either Sarasota, Manatee or Charlotte County from which the vendor operates or performs business for at least one year prior to the submission of an offer to a Sarasota County solicitation.
- The vendor has at least five full-time employees or one principal officer at this location.
- If the business is located in Charlotte County, the vendor has paid local business tax in that County.
If the process as it appears, is only for OUPV 6 vessels, does that mean that inspected vessels by USCG are excluded and can be picked up at the parks without a permit?
The pilot program, as approved, applies to Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Operators defined as operators holding a USCG Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV 6-pack) license, which, by law, are limited to six or less passengers for hire. Eligible vendors must be a Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and/or Tour Operator, which is defined as: “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, such as for charter fishing, sightseeing, or water-based recreation activities.
County code prohibits using parks for services for remuneration unless otherwise permitted. Sarasota County Code of Ordinances Chapter 90-33 (a) (5b) and (a)(12) specifically prohibits the following:
- a(5b.): “Parking or driving Vehicles or anchoring, docking, or mooring Watercraft for commercial purposes at any time unless authorized by permit or otherwise posted.”
- a(12): “The sale of food or drink of any kind, the sale or rental of kites, athletic equipment, sports equipment, or any other items or the provision of services for remuneration. Provided, however, that the County may issue a Permit, or enter into license agreements, leases or other agreements for the sale or rental of any of the above on such terms and conditions as the County shall deem proper and in the best interest of the citizens of the County.”
What about rental companies such as CB’s and Freedom Boat company, are they prohibited from picking up at the parks?
County code prohibits using parks for services for remuneration unless otherwise permitted. Only permitted vendors are authorized within the Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and Tour Permit Program permit holders will be authorized to utilize county parks.
What about bareboat contracted rentals with a private contract and hired captains. (Private owners who hire captains to drive their boats)?
Discussion regarding the inclusion of “bareboat” operators (demise agreements) in the proposed permit program went forward with a motion that was denied during the August 7, 2024, Task Force meeting. The proposed pilot permit program is only to include OUPV (Six-Pack). Eligible vendors must be a Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and/or Tour Operator, which is defined as: “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, such as for charter fishing, sightseeing, or water-based recreation activities.
Can a company hire a privately owned recreational satellite boat to bring customers to the captains?
Operational details and permitted activities will be clearly outlined in the solicitation and contract documents once finalized. Staff understands that stakeholders have questions and concerns. Eligible vendors must be a Commercial Water-based Charter Boat and/or Tour Operator, which is defined as: “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, such as for charter fishing, sightseeing, or water-based recreation activities.
Can I still launch my vessel at a County Managed/Maintained Boat Ramp?
Yes, you can still launch your boat at a Sarasota County owned and/or managed boat ramp. These are operating as they always have. This includes no launching fees; and we partner with other agencies (i.e.: WCIND and FWC) to provide these opportunities to our community.