Commission meeting news : 

News Release

FWC will propose new boat anchoring and mooring legislation

December 3, 2008
Contact: Major Paul Ouellette, 850-251-7288

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) directed staff to proceed with submitting draft legislation to the Florida Legislature which, among other provisions, will create a pilot program to test boat anchoring and mooring regulations in various parts of the state.

Public access sites for boaters have diminished because of development of waterfront properties and privatization of boating facilities. As a result, some boaters have anchored or moored their vessels on the water permanently, or for long periods, and often behind waterfront properties. The vessels can become derelict, create navigational hazards and property damage, harm sea grass and corals, and create pollution.

Under pressure from homeowners and others, local governments implemented local codes and ordinances that are in conflict with state laws.  However, for boaters it was confusing because they often experienced local jurisdictions with different rules and regulations.

The FWC also will propose language in the legislation pertaining to codification of the 2nd District Court of Appeals ruling, vessel registration, sea grass protection and signage, inland waterway signage, and clarification of local rules and regulations.

To learn more about what the future of boating may be in Florida, visit the Wildlife 2060 pages of MyFWC.com.  To learn more about anchoring and mooring, and other boating issues, visit the Boating Regulations pages.