The alternate driving route uses the toll-free Dames Point Bridge on I-295 but is 28 miles (45 km) long.
The Florida Department of Transportation, which had always operated the service, had the Mayport Ferry line item budget vetoed by Governor Charlie Crist for 2007-2008.
However, they lost over $1 million in one year, and Mayor John Peyton announced that there was insufficient money available in the new budget.
On February 5, 2009 the ferry was put into dry dock for routine maintenance, but hull corrosion required an extra week of repairs, and there was no service for a month.
The United States Merchant Marine Memorial stands on the ferry grounds on the Mayport side.