The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to the regulation of vessel anchoring and mooring. It restricts local governments from enacting regulations on vessel anchoring outside marked mooring fields, with specific exceptions for live-aboard vessels, commercial vessels (excluding commercial fishing), and vessels anchored for extended periods during nighttime in counties with populations of 1.5 million or more. Additionally, the bill designates certain sections of Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County as grandfathered-in anchoring limitation areas, where anchoring is prohibited during nighttime hours.

Furthermore, the bill increases the distance that vessels and floating structures must maintain from public mooring fields, changing the required distance from 100 feet to 300 feet. This aims to enhance safety and accessibility around public boating facilities. The bill is set to take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
H 481 Filed: 327.60, 327.4108, 327.4109
H 481 c1: 327.60, 327.4108, 327.4109
H 481 c2: 327.60, 327.4108, 327.4109