Summary
Sarasota County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department is soliciting qualified commercial water-based charter boat and tour operators for a permit program to authorize charter fishing and guided tour services from designated County parks. Permits are assigned by geographic zones (North and South), with a limit of two permits per company per zone, up to 30 permits per zone, and a minimum annual permit fee of $1,200 payable at the start of each permit period. Operators must hold required licenses (including a USCG Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel license), maintain safety equipment, operate only from assigned locations, and meet experience and reference requirements; the initial term is one year with four one-year renewal options.