MIATC Advocacy
Statewide Legislative Issues
The Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast has been protecting and promoting recreational boating since 1974. We represent both boaters and the marine industry and work together with the Marine Industries Association of Florida to achieve our goal of making boating accessible to all Floridians. In past years, the statewide economic impact of the marine industry has been more than $18.4 billion dollars supporting 220,000 jobs. Over the past few years the economy has taken its toll on the industry which still supports 202,000 jobs and an economic impact of approximately $16.4 billion dollars. A major focus of The Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast is to work with our legislators and the regulatory agencies to improve awareness of the needs of the industry with Legislators and Regulatory Agencies.
The following is a compilation of issues which affect our industry that we respectfully request you consider.
Environmental Resource Permits
The Marine Industry is and has been for decades, a very important economic engine in the State of Florida and it is particularly important to the local economy of the Treasure Coast. The Marine Industry Association of Treasure Coast urges that the legislature focus on two aspects of the subject of Environmental Permitting relative to waterfront development, docking facilities and boat ramps:
Particularly during these tough economic times, we request that the legislature require the permitting process to be more "customer friendly" by streamlining the approval process for faster processing of applications from both a regulatory and proprietary perspective. As an example, this could be done by allowing more exemptions and Noticed General Permits for specific activities; further standardizing questions agency staff ask, to improve on the expectations during the processing of applications; and allowing more flexibility and providing clear guidance for demonstrating a project's "public interest" and "net environmental benefit".
We cannot afford to lose more marine businesses to other states because of our regulatory climate, and we should be mimicking states like North Carolina, who are creating incentives for marine businesses to move to Florida.
We request that the legislature consider streamlining the permit process for marinas, docks, boat ramps, etc. by modifying the delegation agreement between the FDEP and the water management districts, in a manner which returns the permitting responsibility of these facilities back to the FDEP. It is our belief that experiences have proven that by consolidating this responsibility back to FDEP, there will be more consistency in the process across the state, the staff will be better equipped and knowledgeable with matters that involve these types of project activities, and the overall process can be improved.
Boating Citation Legislation
Under the current statutory scheme, F.S. 327.33, any boater who was NOT RECKLESS, but who has an accident that would involve even the most minor property damage, can be charged with a misdemeanor. Florida maritime attorneys who are concerned that the misdemeanor charge will lead to a loss of insurance coverage are interested in changing the statutory language to provide for non-criminal penalties when no recklessness or intentional actions on the part of the boater is found.
Derelict Vessels
Derelict vessels create a hazard to both navigation and the environment. The MIATC requests the State to restore monies set aside previously for removal of derelict vessels to make the waters of the State safer for lawful boaters.
No Wake Zones
Limit the ability for the DEP and law enforcement agencies to institute "no wake" zones. There were several public meetings related to new "no wake" zones in Martin County and the public was overwhelmingly against the new zones. Moreover, there was no evidence provided that the zones were needed to protect public safety. Nevertheless, new "no wake" zones were arbitrarily created. This type of senseless regulation hinders local businesses and devalues property.
St. Lucie Inlet Dredging
There's a serious need for the St. Lucie Inlet to be dredged as soon as possible. The Inlet has become a hazard to vessels attempting to navigate through it and is causing a loss of business to Martin County, both marine interests and also local shops and restaurants, because boaters are going both north and south to avoid the treacherous shoals. This is an immediate problem that requires the support of full delegation.