Boating in Charlotte County

Charlotte County is one of the best places in the world for private boaters, but local and state rules and regulations must be followed. Visitors who bring their watercraft or boats to Charlotte County must have State of Florida licenses displayed in a particular part of the boat. If your watercraft of boat is registered to any other state, Florida will recognize that registration for a period of 90 days. After that, a Florida tag must be displayed. The cost of the sticker is based on the length of the craft. (Details follow.) State licenses can also be obtained at a local branch of the county tax collector’s office in downtown Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte or Englewood. Procedure For Obtaining Florida Vessel Title The owner of a new vessel must have the manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MCO) completed by the seller (dealer/store). The MCO is the “birth certificate” for the vessel. For a used vessel, the new owner must present the title. If the vessel was previously registered in a state that did not issue a title, the registration and a notarized bill of sale signed by the owner must be provided. (Note: Never can a registration replace a title for a vessel that was registered in Florida). New owners have 30 days to transfer the title or they will be subject to a $10.00 delinquent fee. Note: on Florida vessel titles, notarization is NO longer required. All new owners must be present to sign the title application form and must present legal ID. For estimated costs to title a vessel, please call (941)-637-2142. Annual Vessel Registrations Registration fees for commercial vessels and pleasure vessels are based on vessel lengths. Vessel registrations expire midnight of the registered owner’s birthday, except for company owned vesssels which expire June 30. Pleasure and Commercial registrations are issued the same type decal, previously there were separate registration decals for each. It is strongly recommended that all vessels owners renew their registration by mail. Duplicate registration can be obtained at your local Tax Collector’s office. The duplicate must be applied for by the vessel owner. The vessel owner will need his FL#. For additional information please call (941) 637-2141. Fishing piers and boat ramps Fishing piers and boat ramps are located at various locations in Charlotte County, most of them operated by Charlotte County. Fishing pier locations include Ponce de Leon Park, Gilchrist Park, Laishley Park, Bayshore Pier, Port Charlotte Beach Complex, El Jobean Pier, Placida Pier, Tom Adams Bridge Pier and the U.S. 41 Bridge. A number of artificial reefs have been provided for anglers in Charlotte County waters. They are open to the public. The list below details the address, phone number and amenities of area boat ramps. Parks Ainger Creek Park, 2011 Placida Road, Englewood, 473-1018 Canoeing, kayaking, fishing, boat ramps, Restroom/Port-O-Lets Butterwood Water Park, 13555 Marathon Blvd., Port Charlotte , 473-1018 Boat Ramps, Fishing Darst Park, 537 Darst Ave., Punta Gorda, 639-5833 Canoeing, kayaking, picnic area, boat ramps, fishing El Jobean Park Boat Ramp, 4224 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte, 625-7529 Canoeing, kayaking, restrooms, barbecue grills, picnic area, boat ramps Harbour Heights Park, 27420 Voyager Dr., Punta Gorda, 627-1074 Fishing, barbecue grills, picnic area, tennis, volleyball, canoe/kayak, restrooms Hathaway Park, 35461 Washington Loop Rd., Punta Gorda, 639-5833 Canoeing, horse trail, kayaking, boat ramps, nature/walking trails, restrooms Laishley Park, 100 East Retta Esplande, Punta Gorda, 573-3387 Boat ramp, fishing pier, walking trail, gazebo, picnic area, Veteran’s Memorial, grills, restrooms Placida Park and Boat Ramp, 6499 Gasparilla Road, Placida, 473-1018 Canoeing, kayaking, picnic area, restrooms, boat ramps Ponce de Leon Park, 4000 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, 575-3387 Boat ramp, raised boardwalk over wetland area, man-made beach, 2 fishing piers, playground, picnic area, shelter, open air chapel, restroom Port Charlotte Beach Park, 4500 Harbor Blvd., Port Charlotte, 627-1628 Fishing, canoeing, kayaking, picnic area, basketball, concession, tennis, barbecue grills, horseshoes, bocce ball, playground, restrooms, volleyball, swimming pool Riverside Boat Ramp, 8320 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda, 573-8686 Picnic, canoeing, kayaking, boat ramps South Gulf Cove Park , 10150 Amicola St., Englewood, 625-7529 Fishing, picnicking, boat ramps Spring Lake Park, 3520 Lakeview Blvd., Port Charlotte, 627-1074 Boat ramps, canoe/kayak. fishing, nature preserve, nature/walking trail, picnicking, Wisteria Park, Wisteria off Rio Villa, Punta Gorda, 627-1628