The bill amends Florida Statutes to address the management of lost or abandoned vessels, particularly focusing on "migrant vessels" and "irregularly constructed vessels." It defines these terms and prohibits the abandonment of migrant vessels in state waters. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is empowered to develop a plan to secure federal disaster funds for the removal of these vessels and to create a grant program for their removal, storage, destruction, and disposal. Law enforcement officers are required to place notices on migrant vessels under certain conditions, and designated agencies are authorized to destroy and dispose of these vessels.

Furthermore, the bill expands the definition of derelict vessels to include migrant vessels and outlines the responsibilities of vessel owners. It eliminates the requirement for law enforcement to send notice by certified mail when issuing citations for derelict vessels, while still mandating that owners be informed of their right to a hearing to contest the vessel's status. The bill also clarifies the procedures for handling abandoned property and derelict vessels, allowing law enforcement agencies to take various actions if the owner fails to respond within specified timeframes. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 830 Filed: 823.11, 705.103