The bill amends Florida Statutes to address the issue of migrant vessels, which are defined as irregularly constructed maritime vessels used for undocumented immigrant transportation. The legislation revises existing provisions regarding the relocation or removal of vessels to explicitly include migrant vessels alongside derelict vessels. It establishes a new definition for migrant vessels and outlines the criteria that classify a vessel as such, including the absence of a hull identification number or construction by a boat manufacturer. Additionally, the bill allows for the removal of both derelict and migrant vessels through grants and federal disaster funds, and it mandates that local governments maintain efforts to keep waters free of these vessels.

Furthermore, the bill modifies procedures for law enforcement officers regarding the disposition of migrant vessels. It specifies that if a migrant vessel is found on public property, officers must post a notice and may remove the vessel if it is not claimed within a specified timeframe. The law enforcement agency is granted the authority to destroy and dispose of migrant vessels, similar to the existing provisions for derelict vessels. The effective date for this legislation is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 830 Filed: 823.11, 705.103
S 830 c1: 705.103
S 830 er: 705.103