If you live within the century-old Sebastian Inlet Tax District, Rep. Randy Fine wants to waive all your entrance fees to get into the Sebastian Inlet State Park, except if you're going camping.

"Folks that live in this district are paying to keep Sebastian Inlet open," Fine said.

On Wednesday, Fine announced his intention to file legislation for the 2020 Florida Legislative Session that would provide free access to Sebastian Inlet State Park to residents who live and, as a result, pay special, extra taxes to the Sebastian Inlet District.

Most pay $8 to enter, but entrance fees vary depending on the number of people and other factors.

Based on this year's expected tax rate, property owners within the inlet district will pay $8.31 for every $100,000 of assessed property value, compared to $8.77 last year. As of last year, there were 91,662 “real property” owners in Indian River County and 331,880 in Brevard County within the district, inlet district officials said.

“The small number of South Brevard and North Indian River residents who pay to keep Sebastian Inlet open and functioning for everyone should not be forced to pay a second time in order to see the results of their taxes,” Fine said in a prepared statement.

“Sebastian Inlet is one of Florida’s natural treasures and I am excited about the prospect of increasing access to those who make it possible.”

Fine said a constituent brought the issue to his attention.

More: Many tried to cut the Sebastian inlet over the years, but not until 1948 did it stay open

The fiscal impact to the state park would be calculated as the bill moves through the legislative process, Fine said.

The park and fishing pier are managed and maintained by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The jetties and inlet are maintained by the Sebastian Inlet District.

The inlet district, in coordination with the state, also "authorizes programs and projects for beach renourishment, erosion control, environmental protection, navigation, boating, recreation and public safety," according to its website.

The Florida Legislature created the inlet district in 1919 by special act to maintain a navigational channel between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon.

Under the rules of the Florida House of Representatives, Fine's proposed local bill will be presented before the two-member Indian River Delegation and six-member Brevard County Delegation meetings.

If approved by a majority in each delegation, the bill is eligible to be filed as a Local Bill. Local Bills do not count against the six-bill limit in the Florida House, nor do they require a Senate sponsor.

Jim Waymer is environment reporter at FLORIDA TODAY.

Contact Waymer at 321-261-5903

or jwaymer@floridatoday.com.

Twitter: @JWayEnviro

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jim.waymer

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