The San Diego City Council passed new rules this week aimed at cracking down on unlicensed businesses that rent out boats and personal watercraft like jet skis.
City leaders say many of the unlicensed vendors cut corners on safety by simplifying the rental process. They use apps to attract customers away from legal operators.
The new rules require transparency in these operations, while making it easier for officials to cite unlicensed vendors.
The city is also increasing fines to $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense and a $700 fine plus a possible misdemeanor for a third offense.
San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert spoke in support of raising fines at Wednesday’s public safety committee meeting.
“When people come to San Diego and want to be able to be in our waterways, they want to be able to boat safely and paddleboard safely and expect that they’re not going to be …