Gulfport Marina adds surcharges to commercial boat slips

The City of Gulfport will charge commercial boat owners up to 100% more for slip rentals beginning in February 2027.

The municipal government approved a new commercial slip surcharge after previously voting to raise general slip fees in September. The additional cost will affect charter captains and other commercial operators at the Gulfport Municipal Marina. A six-pack charter boat will pay a $200 monthly surcharge starting Feb. 1, 2027. That fee will rise to $400 per month in August 2027.

Jonathon Ross, a local charter captain, said the increase is difficult to manage. He noted that many business owners are deciding whether to accept the higher costs or move their operations to other marinas. Ross described the situation as a challenge for his business. He is considering relocating if the fees continue to climb.

Scott Hutsko, another charter captain, called the new rates extreme. He stated that the surcharge represents a 100% markup for his operation. Hutsko said he is already dealing with high fuel costs, with gas prices ranging from five to six dollars per gallon. He is considering moving his boat to a different marina to save money. He runs approximately 400 charters a year, bringing two to six passengers to the city on each trip.

City leaders stated that the revenue increase is necessary to fund marina updates and cover costs from recent hurricane damage. The city also aims to proactively offset potential financial impacts if amendment three passes. Randel Dunham, a Gulfport resident, questioned why charter captains must pay for these specific impacts. He pointed to the revenue generated by the ship store and annual fuel sales, asking why the marina claims to lack funds despite those income streams.

Dunham expressed concern that tourism might suffer if captains leave. He noted that visitors often find the marina through online searches for specific charter services. If those businesses move, he believes the marina will lose its visibility. Hutsko hopes city officials and commercial boaters can reach a better agreement. He wants to continue bringing visitors to Gulfport while finding a way to make the business viable under the new financial structure.