Boat Ramps In Florida: Open Or Closed?

Florida is known for its boating, with its unique range of salt, brackish, and freshwater. The state has hundreds of public boat ramps, most of which are open 24 hours a day, and free of charge. However, some boat ramps may be temporarily closed due to special events, weather conditions, or repairs. Before visiting an unknown boat ramp, it is advisable to check its status with local authorities.

Boat ramp locations in Florida

Boat ramps in Florida are generally open to the public and free of charge. However, it's always a good idea to check with local authorities about the status of a particular boat ramp, as they may be temporarily closed due to special events, weather conditions, or repairs.

Now, let's take a closer look at some popular boat ramp locations in Florida, specifically in Southwest Florida:

Cape Coral Boat Ramps:

• Burnt Store Boat Ramp: Located at 230 Burnt Store Road, this 4.5-acre facility provides access to the North West Spreader canal, Matlacha Pass, and the Gulf of Mexico. It is open from 8:00 AM to sunset and has a $15 per day boat trailer parking fee.
• Cape Coral Yacht Club Boat Ramp: Closed at the time of writing, this ramp is usually accessible to the public.
• Horton Park: A serene 5-acre saltwater boat launch facility in Cape Coral, providing access to the Gulf of Mexico. It offers picturesque river views, picnic shelters, playground equipment, restrooms, and a walking path.
• Rosen Park: Features a spacious saltwater boat launch facility with two 30' wide x 60' long ramps and ample parking. The park also has a marina with 19 wet boat slips and scenic amenities.

Lee County Boat Ramps:

• Lovers Key State Park: This park offers direct access to Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It features a 2.5-mile beach and two scenic bridges.
• Alva Boat Ramp: Nestled along the Caloosahatchee River, providing access to the Calusa Blueway and the creeks of Southwest Florida.
• Davis Boat Ramp: Located in Fort Myers, this ramp is approximately 30 feet wide and accommodates small to medium-sized vessels. It provides access to the Caloosahatchee River.
• Imperial River Boat Ramp: Open from 7 AM to dusk, this ramp is located on South Tamiami Trail in Bonita Springs. It offers separate parking areas for vehicles with and without boat trailers.
• Lavender's Landing Boat Ramp: Found in Bokeelia, this ramp grants access to the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. It offers cottages for rent and a ship store.
• Matlacha Boat Ramp: A nine-acre community park with a boat ramp, a community building, covered picnic tables, pavilions, a playground, restrooms, basketball courts, a fishing pier, hiking paths, and benches.
• Pine Island Commercial Marina: St. James City's premier marina and boat ramp, providing access to excellent fishing, boating, and water sports opportunities.

Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda Boat Ramps:

• Laishley Park Boat Ramp: A waterfront destination in Punta Gorda with a spacious boat ramp, multiple launch lanes, ample parking, a fishing pier, scenic walkways, and a covered pavilion.
• El Jobean Boat Ramp: A popular launching point for exploring Charlotte Harbor, offering convenient access and amenities.
• Port Charlotte Beach Park: This 16.08-acre park features a boardwalk with a fishing pier, boat ramp, canoe/kayak launch, sports courts, a playground, covered picnic areas, a swimming pool, and more.
• Spring Lake Park: Offers a boat ramp, canoeing, kayaking, paddling, fishing, and a nature reserve.

These are just a few examples of the many boat ramp locations in Florida. Each ramp offers unique access to the state's diverse waterways, catering to various boating activities and providing a range of amenities for visitors.

Boat ramp fees

Southwest Florida:

• Burnt Store Boat Ramp: $15 per day for boat trailer parking. Cape Coral residents can obtain an annual parking decal for $75.
• Horton Park: $15 per day for boat trailer parking. Cape Coral residents can obtain an annual parking decal for $75.
• Rosen Park: $15 per day for boat trailer parking. Cape Coral residents can obtain an annual parking decal for $75.
• Goodland Boating Park: $10 motorized daily launch fee, $5 non-motorized launch fee, and $10 daily parking fee for vehicles without a resident beach parking sticker.
• Bayview Park: $10 motorized daily launch fee, $5 non-motorized launch fee, and $10 daily parking fee for vehicles without a resident beach parking sticker.
• Collier Boulevard Boating Park: $10 motorized daily launch fee, $5 non-motorized launch fee, and $10 daily parking fee for vehicles without a resident beach parking sticker.
• Golden Gate Boat Ramp: $10 motorized daily launch fee, $5 non-motorized launch fee, and $10 daily parking fee for vehicles without a resident beach parking sticker.
• Ann Olesky Park: $10 motorized daily launch fee, $5 non-motorized launch fee, and $10 daily parking fee for vehicles without a resident beach parking sticker.
• Alva Boat Ramp: $5 per day for parking.
• Davis Boat Ramp: $5 per day for parking.
• Imperial River Boat Ramp: $5 per day per vehicle for onsite parking.
• Lavender's Landing Boat Ramp: $10 daily parking fee. No overnight parking is allowed.
• Matlacha Boat Ramp: $10 per day parking fee.
• Pine Island Commercial Marina: $10 daily parking fee.
• Port Sanibel Marina: $60 launch fee on weekdays and $100 on weekends. Free for members.
• Punta Rassa Boat Ramp: $10 per day for parking.
• Salty Sam's Marina: Boat ramp pass for $35 and jet ski ramp pass for $15. $15 parking fee for all overnight trailers.
• Laishley Park Boat Ramp: Charlotte County beaches and boat ramps are $0.75 per hour for parking. Free parking is available for those with a state-issued handicap permit.
• Port Charlotte Beach Park: Boat ramps and fishing piers are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Parking hours are from 6 AM to 9 AM, and parking costs $0.75 per hour.
• Spring Lake Park: Boat ramps are accessible, and parking costs $0.75 per hour.

Florida Keys:

A comprehensive list of public access boat ramps in the Florida Keys is provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, but fees are not specified.

Boat ramp opening times

For example, in Southwest Florida, the Cape Coral Boat Ramp at Rosen Park is open from 8:00 am to sunset, while the nearby Horton Park boat ramp is open 24 hours a day. In the same region, the Collier Boulevard Boating Park is open year-round from 8:00 am to sunset, while the nearby Port of the Islands Marina, which offers direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, is open from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.

In the Florida Keys, there are over 50 public access boat ramps, and while specific opening times are not listed, it is advised to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with any updates or changes.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also maintains over 200 access sites across the state, most of which are open 24 hours a day and are free of charge.

Boat ramp closures

Boat ramps in Florida may occasionally close for a variety of reasons. These closures can be temporary and due to special events, weather conditions, or necessary repairs. It is important to check the status of boat ramps before planning a trip, especially if travelling to an unfamiliar location. While some sources provide lists of public boat ramps, these may not always be up-to-date regarding their current status.

For example, the Yacht Club Boat Ramp in Cape Coral was listed as closed, and the Punta Rassa Boat Ramp in Fort Myers is closed until further notice. Additionally, the Caxambas Boat Park in Collier County was undergoing a hurricane restoration project and was closed until the completion of the project. The Alabama Jacks boat ramp was also under construction at the time of writing.

To ensure you have the most current information, it is recommended to check with local authorities or relevant websites for the latest updates on boat ramp closures and openings. This proactive approach can help prevent any inconveniences or disruptions to your boating plans.

Boat ramp contact information

Boat ramps in Florida may be closed temporarily due to special events, weather conditions, or repairs. Before visiting, it is recommended to check the status of the boat ramp with the local authorities. While closures are not reported in real time, you can report a status change for a public boat ramp by emailing [email protected] with the name of the boat ramp, the waterbody where it is located, and a telephone number for more information.

St. Johns County

St. Johns County has 15 boat ramps that offer free saltwater and freshwater access. For more information, call (904) 209-0328.

• Boating Club Road Boat Ramp, 615 Boating Club Road, St. Augustine, FL 32084
• Frank Butler West Boat Ramp, 400 Riverside Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
• Green Road Boat Ramp, 180 Green Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
• Guana State Park Boat Ramp, N. A1A, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
• Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp, 442 Ocean Vista Ave., St. Augustine, FL 32080
• Palmetto Road Boat Ramp, 395 Palmetto Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080
• Palm Valley Boat Ramp, 383 S Roscoe Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32082
• Boat Ramp Single Access, 603 Euclid Ave., St. Augustine, FL 32084
• Boat Ramp Double Access, 101 Vilano Causeway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
• Doug Crane Boat Ramp, 1039 Shore Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32086
• Moultrie Creek Boat Ramp, 4805 Shore Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32086
• Palmo Road Boat Ramp, 8600 Palmo Fish Camp Rd., St. Augustine, FL 32092
• Riverdale Park Boat Ramp, 981 CR 13, Fruit Cove, FL 32095
• Trout Creek Park Boat Ramp, 6795 Collier Rd, Orangedale, FL 32092

Email: [email protected]

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Boating and Waterways Section works to improve boating access by identifying potential sites for new boating access facilities, renovating and expanding existing facilities, and administering grants programs for boating-related activities.

Email: [email protected]

Frequently asked questions