Beach Tag Prices May Increase In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Beach tag prices could increase by $10 for 2023 under a new ordinance.

The Ocean City Council is introducing an ordinance at the Oct. 6 meeting that would increase the cost for beach tags, according to the agenda.

Seasonal tags purchased before May 31 would cost $30 and $35 after, up from $20 and $25, respectively.

Daily and weekly beach tags would double in price, increasing from $5 to $10, and $10 to $20, respectively.

Council President Pete Madden told the Press of Atlantic City that the reason for the price increase is beach maintenance costs.

The price of a seasonal tag has not increased since 2011, he told the outlet, and daily and weekly tags have not changed since 2002.

The proposed change comes at a time where nearly everything is more expensive due to inflation. The Press of Atlantic City reported that Ocean City fell slightly short of their expectations of beach tag sales, which are meant to cover the costs of running the beach.

The change will be introduced at the Thursday night meeting. If the Council votes yes, a public hearing will be held at the Oct. 20 meeting before it can go before a final vote.