Drew Dixon
Floridians who let their vessels go adrift in state waters may soon face increased fines and even prison time for repeat offenses.
House lawmakers approved a new measure increasing penalties for owners of derelict boats in Florida waters. The House adopted the Senate bill (SB 164) replacing its own companion bill (HB 1149) sponsored by Miami Beach Republican Rep. Fabián Basabe. It would require new registrations for long-term anchoring of vessels through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The full Senate already approved that chamber’s legislation, sponsored by Doral Republican Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez.
Before approval in the House, Rep. Rep. Ashley Gantt, a Miami Democrat, asked Basabe if the new measure would create any “fiscal impact” on FWC officers and the work involved.
“It is a new permit but there is no cost,” Basabe said.
The FWC would also issue no-cost permits for long-term anchoring of vessels. The state could also declare a vessel a “public nuisance” if it becomes derelict after repeated citations within a 24-month period. The measure says boat owners who don’t have a permit would end up facing a “penalty for long-term anchoring without a permit.” Boaters who are repeat offenders could face second-degree felony charges, with up to 15 years in prison in extreme cases.
Gantt also asked who would actually enforce the new law if it’s enacted, particularly for those permits.
Basabe said the permits would be issued by the state, but local law enforcement would likely handle the oversight of the permits once given.
Wayward vessels have long been the bane of tributaries and local waters such as the intracoastal waterways in the state. The FWC had to issue statewide warnings last fall after Hurricanes Helene and Milton when countless vessels became unmoored following the storms in September and October.
The FWC even hired additional officers to help clear local waters of wayward boats after the storms.
Some municipalities have already taken matters into their own hands and have not waited for state action.
Indian River County, for instance, has a derelict vessel removal program that partners with the FWC to get those boats out of the way and allows residents to report such disabled watercraft.
And municipalities within that county have gotten increasingly aggressive about removing derelict boats, in cities such as Vero Beach and Indian River Shores.
The bill will now be sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
