The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to the regulation of vessel anchoring, particularly in densely populated areas and critical state concern regions. It restricts local governments in counties with populations of 1.5 million or greater from enacting regulations on vessel anchoring outside marked mooring fields, with exceptions for live-aboard vessels, commercial vessels (excluding commercial fishing), and vessels that remain anchored overnight for extended periods. Additionally, the bill designates specific 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 prohibited anchoring distance from 100 feet to 300 feet. This aims to enhance safety and accessibility around public facilities. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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