The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to improve vessel accountability and management, particularly focusing on derelict vessels and long-term anchoring. It introduces a new definition for "vessel owner," replacing the term "owner," and establishes penalties for anchoring vessels at risk of becoming derelict. The bill also revises requirements for vessel owners to demonstrate effective means of propulsion and creates a new section defining "long-term anchoring," which mandates free electronic permits for such activities. Additionally, it outlines conditions for declaring a vessel a public nuisance and specifies exemptions for certain vessels from the long-term anchoring permit requirement.

Moreover, the legislation modifies procedures for handling abandoned or derelict vessels, emphasizing the owner's liability for removal costs and the requirement for law enforcement to post notices on such vessels. It introduces a grant program for local governments to assist in the removal of derelict vessels, funded by the Marine Resources Conservation Trust Fund or the Florida Coastal Protection Trust Fund. The bill establishes a tiered penalty system for violations, with escalating fines for repeat offenses, and empowers law enforcement to take action against individuals residing on derelict vessels. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, unless otherwise specified.

Statutes affected:
S 164 Filed: 327.70, 327.73
S 164 c1: 327.70, 327.73
S 164 e1: 327.70, 327.73
S 164 er: 327.70, 327.73