Council tables proposed livery‑vessel ordinance after debate over transfers and resale limits

Destin — Council members on Monday deferred action on a proposed ordinance that would set design standards and new rules for livery vessels and their permits after questions from boat operators, councilmembers and harbor stakeholders. The draft ordinance would require a livery permit (the code uses 'registered vessel' language) to be assigned to a specific vessel and restrict certain types of transfers. The ordinance as proposed included a one‑year limited period during which a permit could be transferred without the vessel attached, and a provision that would limit resale values relative to NADA guide values; councilmembers expressed concerns about how resale limits would affect legitimate business sales and capital investments. Why it matters: The harbor has limited vessel capacity and the city has a multi‑year moratorium on new livery businesses. Stakeholders argued the code must avoid creating an underground market that turns permits into tradable medallions, while others said legitimate businesses could be hampered when selling operating companies or upgrading boats. Action taken: After public comment from current livery operators and prolonged council discussion, Councilman Bagby moved and the council agreed to table the ordinance for further staff review and clarifications on transfer rules, resale limits and the moratorium interaction. Staff will bring the ordinance back with the agreed edits and answers to outstanding questions. Quotations: Livery operators asked for flexibility to upgrade vessels and to allow transfers within an ownership entity; councilmembers requested removal or clarification of resale‑price caps and asked whether permits that lapse would revert to the city and, if so, how the city would reallocate them. Ending: The ordinance was tabled so staff can rewrite sections on transfers, resale limits and the expiration/reallocation process and return for further council consideration.