Change in the Weather? Floridians vote to support marinas

[Amgine]

A little-talked about voter proposition in Florida may be a boon to cruisers who want to visit.

For a very long time the number of available slips, as well as launches, in Florida has been declining. Waterfront property is bought up by developers who offer far more than a marina business is worth because they can make more from it as condos. And the tax law assessed the marina as though it already was condos, making that buy-out even more attractive to marina owners.

Spearheaded by the Southwest Florida Marine Industry Association and the Working Waterfront Coalition, the Florida Legislature put the ballot measure before the public, and it passed by a wide margin - 72% in favour.

• Fort Myers Florida Weekly
• Ballotopedia
• VoteSmart Florida
  

[s/v 'Faith']

Just goes to show you, you can't believe everything you read on the Internet.

The fact is that FL is pro-boat, heck the boat per household numbers are some of the highest in the country.

Some folks love to highlight the problems, usually caused by homeowners who have move here from somewhere else.... And some municipalities who get pressure from those same folks.

There are A LOT of boats here, and a LOT of visiting cruisers. Next time some one is whining about FL, remember 72% of FL voted to pay higher property taxes to protect our waterfront access and businesses.