Hilton Head Island’s public boat ramps, maintained with taxpayer dollars for recreational use by Beaufort County residents, are increasingly being overwhelmed by unregulated commercial operations. Boat charter companies, rental businesses, and other for-profit operators now use these public facilities as their primary place of business without contributing to their upkeep or operation. Operators from Georgia are currently using the landings. Many operators don't even have business licenses. 

As commercial activity has grown unchecked, residents and taxpayers are left dealing with overcrowded parking lots, long launch lines, and limited access to facilities intended for public recreation. This overuse also places unnecessary strain on local infrastructure and public resources, including trash and bathrooms. 

Beaufort County should adopt a clear and enforceable ordinance regulating commercial activity at public boat landings.

Commercial operators should  1) obtain a permit 2) carry proper marine liability insurance 3) disclose criminal history 4) maintain business licenses, and pay user fees  to enhance the landings. These reasonable asks are significantly less than the requirements enacted by Florida on their public boat landings. 

Public boat ramps should prioritize the recreational use of Beaufort County residents, while ensuring that commercial operators contribute fairly to the facilities they rely on.