Nessel Sues Mackinac Island Ferry Owners Over Monopoly
Michigan's attorney general alleges the Hoffmann-controlled ferry operators illegally monopolized island transportation and parking.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Utilities
Live Poll
Do you trust large companies to keep prices fair when they control local services?
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed an antitrust lawsuit in Ingham County Circuit Court on Nov. 12, 2026, against the owners of the Mackinac Island Ferry Co., alleging illegal monopoly operations. The suit seeks a ruling that Hoffmann Family of Companies violated the Michigan Antitrust Reform Act.
Why it matters
The case tests whether a single private owner can control ferry access, pricing and parking to Michigan's Mackinac Island, a major tourist destination. It also comes days after island residents voted to let the city approve or deny fare increases.
The complaint cites Hoffmann's ownership of more than 116 parcels of land and 51 buildings across the Straits of Mackinac area. The figures are alleged in the filing and have not been independently verified.
The players
Dana Nessel
Dana Nessel is the Michigan Attorney General, the state's chief law enforcement officer, who filed the antitrust suit on behalf of the state.
David Hoffmann
David Hoffmann is a Florida-based private equity investor whose firm controls the Mackinac Island ferry, sightseeing, shipyard and parking businesses named in the lawsuit.
Hoffmann Family of Companies
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a Florida-based private equity firm headquartered in Naples, Fla., that owns island land, buildings, newspapers and transportation businesses.
The details
Nessel alleges the Hoffmann Family of Companies, a Florida-based private equity firm controlled by David Hoffmann, holds a monopoly on island ferry services and most long-term mainland parking, having allegedly acquired rivals through anticompetitive agreements. The state also alleges Hoffmann threatened to halt all ferry service when the city council sought to limit pricing.
Timeline
Nov. 3, 2026: Island residents voted to let the city approve or deny fare and fee increases for Shepler's and Arnold Transit.
Nov. 12, 2026: Nessel filed the antitrust lawsuit in Ingham County Circuit Court.
Industry Context
The suit invokes the Michigan Antitrust Reform Act, seeking treble damages and restored competition in island ferry and parking markets. It tests whether state antitrust law can check a private owner's control over essential transportation access.
Island visitors and residents could see fare and parking prices shaped by the outcome of the lawsuit and the city's new authority over fee increases. The case may determine how much competition riders have for ferry service to Mackinac Island.
The takeaway
Residents and visitors who rely on island ferries should watch how the court addresses the alleged monopoly, since the ruling could affect future fares and service options.
Further reading
Explore more Utilities coverage tied to Michigan transportation and infrastructure access.
Live Poll
Do you trust large companies to keep prices fair when they control local services?
