Public hearing for proposed pilotage rate changes at Port of Pensacola.

MISCELLANEOUS
The Pilotage Rate Review Committee (PRRC) announces that a petition for a change in the rates of pilotage charged by the licensed state pilots and certified deputy pilots at the Port of Pensacola, Florida, or Naval Air Station Pensacola, has been filed with the PRRC, pursuant to Section 310.151, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 61G14-22, Florida Administrative Code.
The last rate change granted for the Port of Pensacola was August 19, 2011. The PRRC intends to consider the requested rate changes submitted by the Pensacola Pilots LLC on the dates and times noticed.
The petition filed by Pensacola Pilots LLC on November 6, 2025, requests the following changes:
The formula for calculating base pilotage rate shall be modified from the existing box formula of ((LOA x Beam/100) x Pilotage Unit Rate) plus (Draft x Draft Rate) 
To a proposed base pilotage rate of (LOA x LOA Rate)+(Beam x Beam Rate)+(Draft x Draft Rate)+(GT x GT Rate)
LOA = length overall (rounded up to the nearest foot)
Beam = extreme beam (rounded up to the nearest foot)
Draft = deepest draft (rounded up to the nearest foot)
GT = gross tonnage (maximum value if differing tonnages are listed)

Base pilotage rate:
Special Evolutions:
Additional Fees
Notes:
Dead ship movement: defined as the movement of any vessel equipped with motive power and/or steering capability when such motive power and/or steering capability is or becomes unavailable, for any reason, during any part of the vessel's transit.
The LOA Fee is determined using the maximum length overall, rounded up to the nearest foot. The LOA for conventional tug and barge combinations, whether towing astern, alongside, or pushing ahead, shall be the combined length overall of the tug and barge(s).
The Beam Fee is determined using the maximum waterline beam, rounded up to the nearest foot. The beam for tug and barge combinations shall be the maximum waterline beam of the widest vessel in the unit.
The Draft Fee is determined by using the deepest draft, rounded up to the nearest foot.
The GT Fee is determined by using the ITC Gross Registered Tonnage and will be the maximum value if differing tonnages are listed.
A $25 fee per each vessel movement for port control duties.
A $250 per each vessel movement to help defray cross-licensed pilot coverage when required.
Second pilot: may be assigned to any vessel, dead ship tow, abnormal transit, or when there are special weather circumstances. When Pensacola Pilots deem that a second pilot is required, that vessel will be charged two base pilotage rates+ applicable additional fees.
Late payment charge: 3% interest per month charged on the unpaid balance of all monies unpaid after 30 days from date of service, compounded monthly.
All rates and fees shall increase by 3% per year beginning on the one-year anniversary of approved rate implementation.
*Pilotage Unit consisted of length overall multiplied by the beam, divided by 100. Pilotage unit rate x pilotage unit = unit charge.
** A delay in departure caused by a medical emergency will not be considered a detention. A delay in arrival, departure, or shift caused by weather conditions inside Pensacola Bay and/or the area offshore of Pensacola including the pilot boarding area will not be considered a detention.
*** In the event the sole Pensacola Pilot is carried to sea with another vessel ready for transit, the fee will also apply to fund a cross-licensed pilot to travel to Pensacola to pilot the other vessel.
All interested parties may file an answer, an additional or alternative application, or any other applicable pleading or response, including all documentation, by March 6, 2026.
DATE, TIME, LOCATION OF SITE VISIT: The PRRCs site visit to the Port of Pensacola will occur on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (CDT), 700 S. Barracks Street, Pensacola, FL 32502.
DATE, TIME, LOCATION OF RATE HEARING: The Rate Hearing will begin on Thursday, March 26, 2026, 8:30 a.m. (CDT), at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Pensacola, 8 S. 9th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32502. 
A copy of the petition as well as the report of the Investigative Committee (when it becomes available) may be obtained by contacting: The Board of Pilot Commissioners/Pilotage Rate Review Committee, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399, (850)717-1982 and can be found at www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/harbor-pilots/pilotage-rate-review/
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: The Board of Pilot Commissioners/Pilotage Rate Review Committee, 2601 Blair Stone Road., Tallahassee, FL 32399, (850)717-1982. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).
If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at this meeting or hearing, he/she will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence from which the appeal is to be issued.
For more information, you may contact: The Board of Pilot Commissioners/Pilotage Rate Review Committee, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399, (850)717-1982.
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