Okaloosa County BOCC — February 21, 2017 — OPPOSING THE PROPOSAL TO EXPAND FEES AND REGISTRATION FOR MOTORLESS WATER CRAFTS - 02.21.2017

RESOLUTION NO. 17-______ RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA; OPPOSING THE PROPOSAL TO EXPAND FEES AND REGISTRATION FOR KAYAKS, CANOES, PADDLEBOARDS AND OTHER MOTORLESS CRAFTS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, a statewide advisory committee to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has recently proposed the establishment of registration and fees to apply to kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other motorless crafts; and WHEREAS, the establishment of such a system of registration and fees would adversely impact those recreational activities in the State of Florida and unnecessarily increase the cost; and would harm coastal business interests in our community, and WHEREAS, there is uncertainty as to whether this proposal may be adopted either by legislation or through rule making; and WHEREAS, Okaloosa County believes that such a proposal would be adverse to its tourist industry in our area, further tax our local residents, and expand governmental regulation in an unnecessary manner; and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commission of Okaloosa County desires to state its opposition to such a proposal. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTYCOMMISSIONERS OF OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA AS FOLLOWS: 1. The above recitals are true and are incorporated herein as if fully set forth. 2. The Board of County Commissioners of Okaloosa County hereby opposes the expansion of fees and registration requirements for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and other motor-less crafts. 3. The Board urges that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Legislature to not adopt any new policy regarding this tax that will negatively impact our economy and the enjoyment of our natural resources. 4. This Resolution shall become effective upon adoption. 1  DULY ADOPTED this 21st day of February, 2017. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA ________________________________ CAROLYN N. KETCHEL, CHAIRMAN ATTEST: J. D. PEACOCK, II Clerk of the Circuit Court By: __________________________ Deputy Clerk (Seal) APPROVED AS TO FORM: By: ______________________________ Gregory T. Stewart County Attorney 2