The Boater Revolving Fund Grant Program was established by the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners to provide funding to projects that improve the boater experience and benefit the community as a whole. It consists of 4 funding sources, applied for using a single application.
The grants fund projects that improve waterway management, boaters' safety and education, aids to navigation, marine law enforcement, dredging, boater access (i.e. boat ramps), protection of marine mammals, fish and aquatic environments, fishing reefs, and other projects for boater and waterway enhancement. The Marine Advisory Committee reviews all applications, prioritizes the projects that best meet the objectives of the program, and makes a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners as to what projects should be funded.
Deadline for Submitting FY25 Applications is Jan. 31, 2024. Please direct questions regarding this granting opportunity to Mark Snow, 941.764.4982 or Mark.Snow@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
Grant Programs Administered
Boater Improvement Fund – Local (BIF-L)
Derived from Charlotte County boater registration fees, these grants are restricted to the patrol, regulation, and maintenance of the lakes, rivers, and waters, as well as, boater recreation, safety, education, and other boating-related activities. (Up to 100% funding available). Charlotte County generates about $300,000 annually to support these initiatives.
Boater Improvement Fund – State (BIF-S)
Derived from Florida State boater registration fees, these grants are restricted to funding recreational channel marking and other uniform waterway markers, public boat ramps, public lifts and hoists, marine railways, and other public launching facilities, and removal of derelict vessels and floating structures deemed a hazard to facilities, public safety, and health. (Up to 100% funding available). Charlotte County receives about $200,000 annually to support these initiatives.
West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND)
Derived from County Property Taxes, these grants are restricted to funding for public navigation channels, boating access facilities, waterfront parks, and piers; as well as, marine and environmental education and safety programs. Projects are categorized into 4 groups; marine law enforcement (funded 100%), navigation improvement (funded 100%), environmental education (funded 100%), boater safety/education (50% match required), and boater recreation (50% match required). Charlotte County receives around $500,000 annually to support these initiatives.
County Navigation Improvement Fund (CNIF)
Derived from WCIND grant defaults and annual unused WCIND grant revenue, these grants are limited to the funding of navigation improvement. Available funding varies, based on defaults and WCIND grant revenue usage. (Up to 100% funding available)
Charlotte County or Municipality government agencies and non-government Not-for-Profit organizations headquartered within Charlotte County may apply for these funds. The grant cycle for these funds is Oct. 1 – Sept. 30 of the following year.
Awards
- 2024 Boater Revolving Fund Grant Awards
- 2023 Boater Revolving Fund Grant Awards
- 2022 Boater Revolving Fund Grant Awards
- 2021 Boater Revolving Fund Grant Awards
- 2020 Boater Revolving Fund Grant Awards
- 2019 Boater Revolving Fund Grant Awards
- 2018 Boater Revolving Fund Grant Awards
- 2017 Boater Revolving Fund Grant Awards
- Image Gallery
Videos
Governing Statutes
- Resolution 98-1100AO - Creation of Boater Revolving Fund
- Resolution 96-117OAO - Implement Boater Surtax - BIF Local
- Resolution 2020-042 – Boater Improvement Fund Management
- State Vessel Registration Fee Structure and Restrictive Usage
- County (Local) Vessel Registration Fee and Restrictive Uses - Section 328.66(1), F.S.
- West Coast Inland Navigation District Website