The first proactive state infrastructure expansion bill drafted and led by the National Marine Manufacturers Association took effect in Florida after being signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis in late May. Senate Bill 1162 expands the scope of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Boating Improvement Program to include upland infrastructure, such as parking facilities at public boat ramps.
“This bill is a direct response to the needs our members have raised around access and sustainability,” NMMA director of state government relations Ben Murray said in a statement. “We are proud to have worked alongside Florida’s legislative leaders to ensure that boating remains a thriving part of the state’s economy and culture for generations to come.”
The bill also strengthens Florida’s commitment to sustainable boating by expanding the state’s Clean Marina Program to include marine manufacturers. Under the new law, facilities designated clean marinas, clean boatyards, clean marine manufacturers or clean marine retailers are eligible for a 10% discount on sovereign, submerged-land lease fees.For more information or questions, contact Ben Murray, director of state government relations, at [email protected].
