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104050 Overseas Hwy Key Largo FL 33037 305-451-3018
TO: «Name»
To State Attorney General Bill McCollum
At this time the FWC is in listening sessions for the possibility of making mandatory the registration of all non-motorized, human powered vessels.
It is my understanding that non-motorized vessels are exempt from registration taxes due to a ruling made by the state legislature in 2008 under our Governor Charlie Crist. We applaud the tax exempt ruling for many reasons. Non-motorized and/or human powered vessels should be awarded and promoted for the simple fact that they are environmentally friendly and affordable family fun. This type of recreational activity also fits in with our Governors wishes to have a healthy Florida population.
Unfortunately the power boating associations are looking to change this policy again. Their last attempt and reason for registration was to raise $6 million dollars in order to clean up derelict vessels. None of these vessels according to the power boat associations and the FWC were non-motorized vessels such as kayaks and canoes. This new round of attack seems to be in anger over some of the new boating rules and restrictions they are facing due to overuse, environmental damage, unsafe and uneducated operators. For some strange reason we are to blame.
The paddling industry and other outdoor groups including the Girls and Boy Scouts of America, the American Canoe Association, The Red Cross and numerous other organizations and through specialty retailers have promoted and provided proper use, boaters etiquette, safety instruction and environmental awareness for many years. Instruction and safety is number one priority. Records always reflect a low casualty compared to other forms of motorized recreation. The FWC and the Power Boaters Associations doesn't seem willing to recognize that the industry has any educational programs whatsoever and they produce numbers and statistics without proof, evidence or details. The FWC also could have made an effort to produce more listening sessions throughout the state.
The August 7th FWC comment deadline is approaching soon. It would be greatly appreciated if you, our State Attorney General and our Governor together would look into this matter with hope of continuing the ruling that is now in place.
Ideally, the way to put a final end to the threat of non-motorized/ human powered craft registration would be to have you and our Governor create a state ruling exempting registration of this type forever.
Our state would be a shining example showing our commitment to green. Our eco tourists, friends and family would be delighted to know that they can visit Florida and continue to bring along their kayaks, canoes, and bicycles to enjoy our special environment without special fees, fines or rules that would be governed by organizations who are the complete opposite of what we provide and stand for.
Sincerely,
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