Tenants at the Riviera Municipal Marina have 30 days to buy $300,000 in boat insurance to avoid being evicted, according to a plan approved by the city council after months of negotiations. The council voted unanimously Wednesday night to lower its insurance requirement from $500,000 after tenants complained the amount was excessive and not the industry norm. Next year, however, those same boat owners will to have to increase their coverage to $500,000, City Manager Bill Wilkins said.

The push for adequate insurance is part of the new lease at the marina, designed to limit the city's liability. It also requires new tenants to have $500,000 in coverage and commercial vessels to have $1 million. The insurance debate began in the summer when the city proposed changing the lease for marina tenants. Marina officials said they were going to make tenants show proof of insurance and boat registrations. The changes were prompted by two boat fires at the 150-slip marina, where none of the six vessels involved were insured. The lack of insurance cost the city $25,000 in cleanup and boat salvage costs.