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Manatee Signs

There are two types of Manatee Signs:

• Educational
• Regulatory

Manatee Educational Signs

Educational signs are non-regulatory and informational in nature.  New or expanding marinas and boat ramps in manatee habitat are required to install and maintain these types of signs by state and federal regulatory agencies.  Approval for the types and locations of signs required by permit or lease are coordinated by FWC's Imperiled Species Management Section.  The types of signs and process for approval can be found in this brochure: Permanent Manatee Educational Sign Information (506KB).

A list of known sign vendors who produce these signs is available.

Go to the Imperiled Species Permit Review page for more information about permitting and manatees.

Manatee Regulatory Signs

Manatee Regulatory Signs are coordinated by FWC's Division of Law Enforcement - Boating and Waterways Section 850-488-5600

Regulatory signs are official U.S. Coast Guard and FWC approved speed zone or navigational signs posted on waterways  and may not be installed by a private citizen.

Description:
These signs have an orange circle and an orange border in addition to the regulatory information. The rule number is shown on the lower right corner and the permit number is listed on the lower left of the sign.

Speed Differences:
Due to the different speeds at which vessels of different sizes and configurations may travel while in compliance with these speeds, there is no specific numerical speed assigned to either Idle Speed or Slow Speed. During emergency situations any person may exceed the posted vessel speed limits if it is reasonably necessary to prevent the loss of life or property due to emergency circumstances or to render emergency assistance.

Idle Speed:
Means the minimum speed that will maintain the steerageway of a vessel.

Slow Speed:
Means the speed at which a vessel proceeds when it is fully off plane and completely settled into the water. Vessels shall not be operated at a speed that creates an excessive wake or other hazardous condition, which endangers other vessels under the existing circumstances.

The FWC operates an on-Call response program to coordinate the timely examination, evaluation and appropriate repair of FWC assets that represent a potential hazard to navigation.

If you see a damaged FWC sign or buoy please report it!!!

Call:  1-866-405-BUOY (2869) or send an email or to submit a report electronically click here

Information to have when calling/emailing:

• Location of damaged marker (GPS coordinates, waterbody name, nearby landmarks, county, nearest city or town, etc.)

• Brief description of the problem

• Your name and contact information

• Digital photos if available