The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to the regulation of vessel anchoring and mooring. It restricts local governments from regulating vessels outside the marked boundaries of mooring fields, with specific exceptions for live-aboard vessels, commercial vessels (excluding commercial fishing vessels), 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 prohibited anchoring distance from 100 feet to 300 feet. This aims to enhance safety and accessibility around public facilities. The bill will take effect upon becoming law, reflecting a comprehensive approach to managing vessel anchoring in densely populated areas while balancing local regulatory authority.

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
H 481 er: 327.60, 327.4108, 327.4109