An Orange County dock has long been the launching pad for several independent airboat tour companies, but the county is considering changes — and owners fear their business could be negatively impacted.

  • Orange County considering dock permitting process
  • Airboat companies said the process could impact business
  • Dock is located along State Road 50 in east Orange County

"We all want the ability to keep operating out businesses the way we always have," said Pam Davis, with Capt. Duke's Airboat Rides.

Orange County is discussing a permitting system for the dock located on the St. Johns River along State Road 50, east of Christmas. There is currently no permit required apart from proper certification to operate a tour from the dock.

Five years ago, Pam met Captain Duke when she decided to venture onto the river.

"She came and took a ride and never went home," Duke Davis said.

Years later, the captain left a competitor and started his own company. He joined several other independent operators — some of whom have been operating for 30 years — launching from a county dock.

"It's what we call old Florida," Davis said of the waterway. "We respect it. When we hit that gas pedal, there's this big old smile that comes across their face. It tickles me to death. This is my office. I love it."

Duke said the peace he feels out on the water is at odds with how he feels on dry land: complaints from a neighboring business have the county closely eyeing the dock and their operations.

"It just came as a little surprise that all of a sudden we have these issues," said Pete Clarke, an Orange County commission representing District 3.

Clarke said that while he thinks this may be about competition, the county will still be considering a permitting process.

"The key issue is how do we take a piece of property that has been provided by the taxpayers and make it fair for people to use it for business?" he said.

Pam Davis pleaded to the County Commission on Tuesday on behalf of the seven airboat operators.

"I'm here today to tell you we are legitimate," she said.

The operators, like Duke, don't want the ramp's use put out for a big because they fear they'll be outbid by a competitor.

"Just a fair permitting process is basically all we want," he said.

Duke Davis said his company conducts its business, like collecting money, out on the water and not on county property.

The Orange County Commission will hold a workshop on the issue Tuesday, Aug. 29.