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The Miami-Dade County Commission on Apr. 19 adopted a resolution sponsored by Commissioner Joe A. Martinez directing the mayor to incorporate into the Department of Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces’ proposed fiscal year 2022-23 fee schedule a fee waiver allowing qualified disabled veterans to launch boats at county-owned and operated marinas without charge.
As a result, the county administration has established a program to waive the $199.95 cost, plus tax, for an annual pass for qualifying disabled veterans that will become effective Oct. 1. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces will incorporate a “fee schedule” in the marina section allowing qualified disabled veterans to launch boats and park at county-owned and operated marinas without charge.
This boat pass will be available to qualified Miami-Dade County disabled veterans only. A decal, renewable every three years, will be affixed to the disabled veteran’s windshield of the vehicle that will tow the boat. The patron will be required to show proof of Miami-Dade County residency, driver’s license, registration, and proof that they are a disabled veteran.
The pass allows for boat ramp launching at any of the six Miami-Dade County marinas:
• Bill Bird Marina at Haulover Park
• Black Point Marina
• Crandon Park Marina
• Herbert Hoover Marina at Homestead Bayfront Park
• Matheson Hammock Marina
• Pelican Harbor Marina
Florida State Parks and the National Park Service offer programs for free entrance to parks for veterans who have service-connected disabilities.
“We can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to those heroic men and women who served, especially those who were wounded in battle,” Commissioner Martinez said. “One way that the county can provide a small token of appreciation to disabled veterans is by removing any fees which may prevent them from accessing the beautiful waters that surround us.”
