Waterway Markers
The FWC is responsible for properly marking boating restricted areas and manatee protection zones implemented under its authority. Boating and Waterways staff regularly inspect and maintain FWC waterway markers. They also assess marker locations and plan updates to improve public awareness and vessel operator compliance. When regulations are updated, staff coordinate necessary adjustments to the placement of waterway markers for the zones.
Red and Green channel markers are managed by the United States Coast Guard.
- Report aid to navigation outages, issues or discrepancies using the U.S. Coast Guard Discrepancy Report Form.
- For questions about Private Aids to Navigation (PATON) or to submit an application, contact the PATON Manager at: SMB-CGD-SE-PATON@uscg.mil.
Permits for Placing Florida Uniform Waterway Markers (FUWM)
For municipalities, counties or other governmental entities to place any safety, regulatory and/or informational marker in, on or over the waters or shores of the state, please apply for a permit from the Boating and Waterways Section within the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Ch. 327.40. Florida Statutes).
The FUWM Permit is contingent upon the permit holder receiving authorization from the submerged landowner, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Please reach out to FDEP and USACE for authorization, in conjunction with submitting the FUWM Permit application. Authorization from USCG will be approved in conjunction with the USACE permit application.
- Obtain consent from the submerged landowner (likely FDEP). Find FDEP permitting regional office contact information.
- Find USACE permitting regional office contact information.
Process for Establishing Boating Restricted Areas or Obtaining an FUWM Permit
Boating Restricted Areas (BRA) are established by local governments through one of two processes. Please identify the appropriate application process, based on which subsection of 327.46 F.S., is being used as justification for zone establishment.
- For BRAs established pursuant to 327.46(1)(b)F.S., other regulatory zones requiring waterway markers, or informational markers, please visit the FWC Online Permitting System and direct any questions you may have during the process to Waterway.Management@MyFWC.com.
- For BRAs established pursuant to 327.46(1)(c)F.S., please reach out directly to our team at Waterway.Management@myFWC.com to initiate a Local Ordinance Review application. It is recommended, but not required, to reach out prior to the adoption of the establishing ordinance. Applicants may apply for an FUWM permit following FWC approval of the ordinance.
Associated Rules and Regulations for Placing FUWM
For more information, visit:
- 327.46 F.S.
- F.A.C. Rule 68-D and navigate to:
- 68D-21 - Approval of Local Ordinances Establishing Boating Restricted Areas.
- 68D-23 - Uniform Waterway Markers in Florida Waters.