Big Changes are Coming to Marathon. If you’ve visited Marathon, Florida, then you’re likely familiar with Sombrero Beach – widely regarded as one of the most outstanding beaches in the Florida Keys. The beach boasts several amenities, including covered tiki huts, grills, bathrooms, and a volleyball court, making it an excellent location for spending quality time with loved ones while basking in the sun. Significant changes are on the horizon for Sombrero Beach.

Sombrero Beach

Historically, visitors could park at the beach for free. However, that is no longer the case. Parking meters have been installed, and from now on, non-residents will be charged for parking. The fee for parking at the beach is $5.00 for the first two hours and $2.00 for each subsequent hour.

Boat Ramps

The beach is not the only things that is changing in Marathon. The City of Marathon’s free boat ramps will also be subject to a fee going forward. The City of Marathon recently announced changes to the public boat ramp, which will no longer be free of charge. Non-residents will be required to pay $25.00 for both launching and retrieving boats at public ramps, in addition to a daily parking fee of $20.00. The city will implement license plate recognition technology for both the beach and boat ramps. Full-time residents and property owners in Marathon and Key Colony Beach will be exempt from these fees, while residents from nearby islands will be charged for using the ramps and beach. Homeowners in Marathon who do not rent their homes out for vacations and whose vehicles are not registered in Monroe County can register through the City of Marathon’s website to avoid being charged. However, vacation rental property owners in Marathon and Key Colony Beach will have to pay to access the beach or use the boat ramps.

If you are planning a visit to Marathon, Florida, visitors should plan ahead and be aware of the new fees that will be in place for the beach and boat ramps. While these fees may come as a surprise to regular visitors to Marathon, it is worth noting that these changes have been implemented to ensure that the public amenities in Marathon are well-maintained. While there may be a small additional cost associated with accessing these facilities, the pristine beaches and beautiful waterways in the Florida Keys are well worth the investment. So, be prepared for these changes and plan accordingly the next time you visit Marathon, Florida.

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