Okaloosa County is committed to providing waterway safety information as it relates to livery vessel guidelines, related ordinances, and overall public safety on waterways in Okaloosa County. 

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• Waterway Rental Vendor Registration Application

Commercial Activity at Crab Island

(Permits/Authorizations must be obtained from both Okaloosa County and National Park Service)

In July 2018 and updated with County Ordinance 20-03, Okaloosa County passed Ordinance 18-19, authorizing commercial operations in the area under certain conditions. Due to the unique nature of Crab Island being located in national seashore waters over state-held submerged waters, commercial operations require authorization from the local government as well as the park service. In accordance with Okaloosa County Ordinance 18-19 and 20-03 park service regulations, Commercial Use Authorizations and Okaloosa County, licenses must be obtained prior to operating a business at Crab Island.

• Okaloosa County Application 
• National Park Service Application

Relevant Ordinances

• Ordinance 19-06 - Restricted areas for Destin Harbor, East Pass and Sandpiper Cove
• Ordinance 15-14 – Vessel Exclusion Zone for Emergency vehicles
• Ordinance 18-19 – Prohibition on the Consumption of Alcoholic beverages and anchoring/mooring of floating structures
• Ordinance 20-03 – Crab Island Entertainment area
• Ordinance 22-08 – Waterway Rental Vendor Safety and Operating Standards
• Ordinance 22-10 – Parking Standards for Boat Livery Businesses
• Ordinance 20-01 - Prohibition of commercial activity on the spoil islands on the Santa Rosa Sound

2025 Waterway Safety Meeting

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2024 Waterway Safety Meeting Information

Mandatory Pre-Season Meeting: All livery vessel owners operating under Ordinance 22-08 Waterway Rental Vendor Safety and Operating Standards must attend a mandatory pre-season meeting to be held each February.

• Pre-Season Waterway Safety Meeting Agenda 2024
• View the presentation slide from the 2024 Pre-Season Waterway Safety meeting