FWC seeks public comment on proposed designated anchoring areas in Monroe County

Last year, the Legislature approved changes to section 327.4108, Florida Statutes, which designated Monroe County as an anchoring limitation area and requires each vessel anchored within Monroe County on waters of the State within 10 linear nautical miles of a public mooring field or designated anchoring area to pull anchor and move at least once every 90 days. These statutory changes require the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to adopt rules establishing anchoring areas, along with maximum allowable vessel drafts, throughout Monroe County. In response, the FWC is proposing seven new designated anchoring areas from Marathon to Key West. The FWC is seeking public comment on designated anchoring area boundaries, locations and maximum allowable drafts for the following areas:

• Proposed Fleming Key Anchoring Area with 6-foot draft restriction.
• Proposed Sigsbee Anchoring Area with a 6-foot draft restriction.
• Proposed Garrison Bight Flats Anchoring Area with a 2-foot draft restriction.
• Proposed Cow Key Channel Anchoring Area with a 2-foot draft restriction.
• Proposed Niles Channel Anchoring Area with a 6-foot draft restriction.
• Proposed Bahia Honda Anchoring Area with a 6-foot draft restriction.
• Proposed Boot Key Outside Anchoring Area with a 6-foot draft restriction.

The input received during this initial public comment period will guide a review of the designated anchoring areas and provide direction to the FWC in creating anchoring areas appropriate to the conservation and management of the Florida Keys’ natural resources. Public comments are being accepted through April 30. Comments can be submitted to BoatingPublicComments@MyFWC.com and via mail:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Attn: Boating and Waterways, 1M
620 South Meridian Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399

See maps of the seven proposed designated anchoring areas and learn more about opportunities to provide feedback by visiting MyFWC.com/Boating and clicking on “Waterway Management” and then “Public Comment Opportunity.”