The Boater Revolving Fund (BRF) Grant Program was established by the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners to support projects that enhance the boater experience and provide broad community benefits. The program is funded through four distinct revenue sources but is streamlined through a single, unified grant application process.
BRF grants support a wide range of initiatives, including improvements to waterway management, boater safety and education, aids to navigation, marine law enforcement, dredging, boat ramps and other access points, protection of marine mammals and aquatic habitats, construction or enhancement of fishing reefs, and other projects that strengthen boater services and waterway infrastructure.
All submitted applications are reviewed by the Marine Advisory Committee, which evaluates, ranks, and prioritizes projects based on how well they meet program goals. The committee then provides funding recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners, who make the final determinations regarding award allocations.
Annual Reporting Document Quarterly Reporting Document
FY26 Grant Application
Deadline for submitting FY26 applications is Jan. 31, 2025. Please direct questions regarding this granting opportunity to Debbie Thibideau, 941.743.1308 or Debbie.Thibideau@Charlottecountyfl.gov.
Grant Application Applications Received Sample Project Agreement
Grant Programs Administered
Boater Improvement Fund – Local (BIF-L)
Funded through Charlotte County boater registration fees, this program supports patrol, regulation, and maintenance of local lakes, rivers, and waterways. It also funds boater recreation, safety, education, and other boating-related activities. Up to 100% funding is available, and Charlotte County generates about $300,000 each year for these initiatives.
Boater Improvement Fund – State (BIF-S)
Funded through Florida State boater registration fees, this program provides support for recreational channel markers, uniform waterway markers, public boat ramps, lifts, hoists, marine railways, and other public launching facilities. It also funds the removal of derelict vessels and floating structures that pose safety or health hazards. Up to 100% funding is available, and Charlotte County receives about $200,000 each year.
West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND)
Funded through county property taxes, this program supports public navigation channels, boating access facilities, waterfront parks and piers, and marine and environmental education and safety programs. Projects fall into several categories: marine law enforcement, navigation improvement, and environmental education (all funded at 100%), and boater safety/education and boater recreation (both requiring a 50% funding match). Charlotte County receives around $500,000 annually for these efforts.
County Navigation Improvement Fund (CNIF)
Funded through WCIND grant defaults and unused WCIND revenue, this program is limited to navigation improvement projects. Funding amounts vary each year based on available revenue, with up to 100% funding available.
Charlotte County or municipal government agencies and non-profit organizations headquartered within Charlotte County may apply for these funds. The grant cycle runs from October 1 through September 30 of the following year.
Awards
- 2026 Boater Revolving Fund Grant Awards
- 2025 Boater Revolving Fund Grant Awards
- 2024 Boater Revolving Fund Grant Awards
- 2023 Boater Revolving Fund Grant Awards
- 2022 Boater Revolving Fund Grant Awards
Videos/Images
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