Waterway Management

The FWC Division of Law Enforcement Boating and Waterways Section - Oversees and coordinates statewide regulatory waterway markers to ensure compliance with the uniform marking system and to improve compliance of state boating and resource protection zones for the long term well-being and benefit of all waterway users and the fish and wildlife resources.

Public Workshops/Notices/Comment Opportunities - FWC Boating and Waterways takes input from the public, and provides public notice of received and approved local boating restricted areas proposed.

State Boating Safety Restricted Area Rulemaking - The promulgation of Boating Safety Restricted Areas on the waters of the state for the purposes of public safety.

Waterway Markers - The FWC is responsible for properly marking the boating restricted areas and manatee protection zones implemented under its authority.

Derelict Vessel Removal Program - Derelict and abandoned vessels littering the state pose an environmental hazard as well as a hazard to navigation. These vessels cause the destruction of valuable seagrass resources and the marine life which exist within that habitat. Derelict vessels also threaten human life, safety and property as they drift beneath the surface of the water or block navigable waterways, posing a navigation hazard to the boating public.

Paddling Trail Information - Florida has a variety of award-winning paddling trails, and opportunities exist to create more on the state's abundant lakes, rivers and meandering coastline.

Vessel Registration Fees - County reports must be filed with the FWC no later than Nov. 1 of each year.