Departments



Articles

Editorial: Anti-Environmental Bill: Save Florida From Harm
May 16th, 2013

Editorial: Problem Ordinances
May 8th, 2012

Editorial: Cedar Key Arts Show
April 28th, 2012

Editorial: Cedar Key Arts Show
April 20th, 2012

Editorial: Status of Nuclear Power as Savior
March 15th, 2012

Editorial: Advice to Letter Writers
February 13th, 2012

Editorial: 2011 is History
January 7th, 2012

Editorial: The History of Island Nations
December 24th, 2011

Editorial: Why You DON’T Pay for the Cedar Key News Online
November 11th, 2011

Editorial: Hoppin’ John ***
November 3rd, 2011

Editorial: What Decline?
October 10th, 2011

Editorial: Notes from a Slightly Bigger Island
October 8th, 2011

Editorial: Barking Mad
October 5th, 2011

Editorial: Fix the Bridges!
September 11th, 2011

Editorial: Catching the Right Wave
July 27th, 2011

More

Paddlers May Get Hit in Pocket

Paddlers May Get Hit in Pocket

Editorial

Wow! A new source of tax revenue! Kayakers have been a burden on the state for too long. The Non-motorized Vessel Subcommittee of the Florida Boating Council is pushing for a $5 to $20 fee on the estimated 360,000 motor-free boats in Florida. That could generate $800,000 for the state and qualify the state for federal grants according to one Florida official.

Kayaks, canoes, and johnboats use Florida waters. They should pay for the services of law enforcement. Speeding canoes violate no wake zones and tie up Marine Patrol officers. Sin taxes on alcohol, tobacco and fancy jewelry are well established taxes. Having fun paddling should be taxed as well. Short kayaks are more fun than long kayaks, so double the tax on them. (Airboats and Wave Runners are even more fun, so they should have taxes doubled on them.)


On the other hand—paddlers contribute very little carbon dioxide to the global warming problem. There are no reported kayaking deaths versus 81 motorized vessel deaths according to the Gainesville Sun. The kayakers aren't calling for emergency help.

Historically there have been taxes on everything from salt to the number of doors in a house. If non-motorized boats are a burden on the state, what about hikers? They wear out the trails. Perhaps we need a special tax on shoes. Hiking boots with Vibram soles should pay double. A special tax on off-road vehicles might fly, even though they don't always use the trails.

If you think the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission should table any discussion of fees on non-motorized vessels, send comments to:

Div. of Law Enforcement
Boating and Waterways Section
Boating Advisory Council
620 S. Meridian Street, Room 235
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600
Fax number: (850) 488-9284

Click for printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

 

 

© 2013
Cedar Key News

cedarkeynews@gmail.com