The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes to regulate the anchoring of vessels, particularly in densely populated areas and critical state concern regions. It restricts local governments from enacting regulations on vessel anchoring outside marked mooring fields in counties with populations of 1.5 million or greater and in areas of critical state concern, with specific exceptions for live-aboard vessels, commercial vessels, and vessels 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 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:
S 866 Filed: 327.60, 327.4108, 327.4109