Summary


The proposed changes to Rule 68-1.003, F.A.C., will include the Boating Safety and Education Grant Program with education in the title to reflect the education objectives, incorporates new program guidelines, and deletes a repealed rule. They will also include the Florida Boating Improvement Program with the guidelines incorporated and a repealed rule deleted. These guidelines include recent changes to Section 206.606, F.S., to add other uniform waterway markers, public boat ramps, lifts, and hoists, marine railways, and other public launching facilities, and derelict vessel removal as eligible uses of program funds and deleted aquatic plant control. They also include a change that adds a new funding source for public launching facilities, giving priority to counties with 35,000 or more registered vessels, pursuant to Section 328.72(15), Florida Statutes. The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program is being added to the rule and will incorporate guidelines that follow the requirements of Section 7404 of the Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act of 1998 and the Federal Register, 50 CFR Part 86.