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NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsOctober 28, 2026Hillsborough County

Gulfport City Council increases commercial slip rental surcharges at municipal marina

Photo: ABC Action News (WFTS) — News

The City of Gulfport is raising commercial slip rental rates and adding monthly surcharges for charter boat operators starting in February 2027. Commercial operators face fee increases by up to $700 a month, prompting concerns about potential business relocations.

MarinasSmall BusinessFeesTourism
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — News

Why It Matters

Local charter captains face up to a $700 monthly increase in marina fees starting Feb. 1, 2027, which business owners say could force them to relocate or shut down.

Key Facts

  • The City of Gulfport voted to increase general slip rental fees for everyone and add a commercial slip surcharge.
  • Starting Feb. 1, 2027, a six-pack charter boat will incur a $200 monthly commercial surcharge.
  • The commercial surcharge will increase to $400 a month starting in August.
  • Overall rent and surcharges for commercial slips could rise by as much as $700 a month.
  • City leaders stated the fee increases are needed to fund marina updates, cover post-hurricane costs, and proactively offset potential impacts of Amendment 3.
  • Charter captains reported that the fee represents a 100% markup and may force them to relocate to other marinas or go out of business.
  • Local residents expressed concern that charter boat relocations could negatively impact local tourism.

Who's Mentioned

PersonRandel Dunham“Gulfport resident expressing concern about the marina fees and tourism impacts”PersonJonathon Ross“Charter captain in Gulfport operating out of the municipal marina”OrganizationSandy Toes Boat Charters“Boat charter business found via Google Search that brings tourists to the marina”PersonScott Hutsko“Charter captain affected by the fee increases”OrganizationCity of Gulfport“Governing body that voted to increase slip rental fees and add a commercial slip”OrganizationGulfport Municipal Marina“Marina operated by the city where slip rental rates are increasing”