Bill
SB 1162
Adds Clean Marine Manufacturer eligibility for lease discounts and extends FWC grants to fund parking for boat-hauling vehicles/trailers.
Summary
- SB 1162 (Sen. Leek; co-introduced by Sen. Brodeur) amends state law governing state-owned sovereignty submerged land leases and the use of certain FWC grant funds.
- Primary actions: (1) adds facilities designated as "Clean Marine Manufacturers" to the list of Clean Marina Program designees eligible for lease discounts and surcharge waivers; and (2) authorizes FWC grant funds (from the Fuel Tax Collection Trust Fund) to be awarded for construction and maintenance of parking for boat‑hauling vehicles and trailers.
- Effective date: July 1, 2025. Fiscal notes and committee reports state the bill has no impact on state resources or expenditures.
Background (current law)
- Sovereignty submerged lands (state-owned tidally influenced and navigable-water lands) are leased by the Board of Trustees for marinas, boatyards, mooring fields, and marine retailers.
- Under current law, facilities designated by DEP under the Clean Marina Program as a Clean Marina, Clean Boatyard, or Clean Marine Retailer may be eligible for:
- a 10% discount on the annual sovereignty submerged lands lease fee, and
- a waiver of the one-time extended-term lease surcharge (extended-term leases can run up to 25 years),
provided they maintain the DEP designation, comply with lease terms, and do not change use. Waiver eligibility also requires the facility be open to the public on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Key provisions of SB 1162
1. Clean Marine Manufacturer added to eligibility
- Adds “Clean Marine Manufacturer” to the list of DEP Clean Marina Program designees that are eligible for:
- a 10% discount on annual sovereignty submerged lands lease fees, and
- waiver of the extended-term lease surcharge,
- Eligibility conditions mirror existing requirements: active DEP designation, lease compliance, no change in use; surcharge waiver also requires first‑come, first‑served public availability and no arrears.
Who is affected / likely impacts
- Directly affected: marinas, boatyards, marine retailers, and now marine manufacturers that obtain DEP Clean Marine Program designation — these facilities could see reduced lease costs and waived extended-term surcharges if they meet program and lease conditions.
- Indirectly affected: boaters and coastal communities — expanded grant eligibility for parking for boat‑hauling vehicles/trailers could improve access and safety at boat‑launch facilities.
- State fiscal impact: committees and fiscal analysts report no impact to state resources or expenditures.
Procedural status (selected)
- Introduced: February 7, 2025.
- Reported favorably by Environment & Natural Resources and by Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government; Fiscal Policy reported favorable.
- Status note (from provided header): Rule 3-9(a) / Re‑referred to Assignments.
- Effective date specified in committee report and fiscal note: July 1, 2025.
Notes
- The Clean Marina Program is voluntary; DEP designation requires meeting regulatory requirements and implementing at least 60% of the program’s best management practices (stormwater control, spill prevention, waste management, etc.).
- The bill extends existing incentives rather than creating a new subsidy program and explicitly clarifies an additional allowable use for FWC boating-related grants.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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