Ferry License Renewals

Steps to renew your current Suffolk County Ferry License

If you are looking to renew your existing license, please make sure you follow these steps:

If you are not seeking any rate changes - Please file one petition with the Legislature Clerk’s Office for your license renewal. This petition should include:

  1. PETITION FOR RENEWAL FERRY LICENSE (Title of petition)
  2. The service to be rendered, including a year-round schedule of ferry service to be offered during the term of the license. [Amended 5-7-2013 by L.L. No. 25-2013]
  3. The term of license and franchise request.
  4. The identity of the petitioner.
  5. Routes over which the petitioner proposes to provide service, including the fixed termini, if any, between which the ferry service operations are to be conducted.
  6. Landing agreements of the routes over which the petitioner proposes to provide service.
  7. That the ferry will be kept within the County of Suffolk.
  8. The numbers and names of the proposed vessels to be employed by the petitioner in the performance of said ferry service.
  9. The names of owners of real estate through which that part of the highway adjoining the ferry shall run.
  10. The rates proposed to be charged by the petitioner for ferry service.
    1. If said rates shall be the same as those previously authorized by either a court or the Suffolk County Legislature, it shall be so stated, and a certified copy of the order or resolution, as applicable, shall be annexed to the petition as exhibits.
    2. If said rates shall be an alteration, reduction, change or modification of existing rates or if the petitioner is applying for the initial grant of a license and franchise, then the petitioner shall comply with § 455-3 of this chapter.

If you are seeking a license renewal and rate changes

If you are looking to renew your license and make changes to the rates adopted in your current license, you should file two petitions. Below is a summary of the documents that must be included in your renewal for ferry license and request for rate changes:

Items needed to be included in your Petition for License Renewal (Petition #1)

As referenced in Chapter 455-2: Ferry Service, below is a detail summary of the documents that must be included in your petition for a ferry license (please use this as a check list):

  1. PETITION FOR RENEWAL FERRY LICENSE (Title of petition);
  2. The service to be rendered, including a year-round schedule of ferry service to be offered during the term of the license. [Amended 5-7-2013 by L.L. No. 25-2013]
  3. The term of license and franchise request.
  4. The identity of the petitioner.
  5. Routes over which the petitioner proposes to provide service, including the fixed termini, if any, between which the ferry service operations are to be conducted.
  6. Landing agreements of the routes over which the petitioner proposes to provide service.
  7. That the ferry will be kept within the County of Suffolk.
  8. The numbers and names of the proposed vessels to be employed by the petitioner in the performance of said ferry service.
  9. The names of owners of real estate through which that part of the highway adjoining the ferry shall run.
  10. The rates proposed to be charged by the petitioner for ferry service.
    1. If said rates shall be the same as those previously authorized by either a court or the Suffolk County Legislature, it shall be so stated, and a certified copy of the order or resolution, as applicable, shall be annexed to the petition as exhibits.
    2. If said rates shall be an alteration, reduction, change or modification of existing rates or if the petitioner is applying for the initial grant of a license and franchise, then the petitioner shall comply with § 455-3 of this chapter.

Items needed to be included in your Petition for Rate Change (Petition #2)

As referenced in Chapter 455-2: Ferry Service, below is a detail summary of the documents that must be included in your petition for a ferry license (please use this as a check list):

  1. PETITION FOR FERRY LICENSE RATE ALTERATION
  2. New rates to be charged by the petitioner for ferry service (please keep your prior rates included to reflect the adjustment you are seeking)
  3. Certified audited financial statement for each of the last two fiscal years and shall include:
    1. A balance sheet including net worth and retained earnings.
    2. Profit and loss statements, stating all income and expenses.
    3. A statement of changes in financial position.
    4. The report of the certified or licensed public accountant shall include a statement that the examination was made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and that the financial statements submitted by the applicant are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis. This report shall contain a representation and documentary evidence that the accountant or accounting firm has undergone a peer/quality review pursuant to the procedures of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants within the past five years.
  4. Each applicant shall maintain adequate accounting records to permit the preparation of the required audited financial statements. Such financial accounting records shall include, but not be limited to, the following records and procedures:
    1. Inventory controls.
    2. Passenger fare reconciliation forms.
    3. Monthly cash receipts journal.
    4. Periodic summary sales reports.
    5. Financial accounting procedures shall be designed to ensure the reliability and integrity of the accounting records.

This petition must be submitted to both the Clerk of the Legislature and the Director of BRO at FerryLicense@suffolkcountyny.gov


After I have submitted my petitions, what’s next?

If you have any questions regarding the ferry renewal process, please email the Clerk of the Legislature or call (631) 853-4074.