This bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes to empower counties and municipalities to adopt ordinances for the local administration of vessel restrictions, specifically concerning derelict vessels, long-term anchoring permits, and migrant vessels. It allows local governments to designate code enforcement officers to handle the identification, notice, corrective action, relocation, removal, storage, destruction, or disposal of vessels at risk of becoming derelict. The bill clarifies that determinations made by these officers are for administrative purposes only and do not constitute criminal findings, thus protecting local governments from criminal liability in these matters. Additionally, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is authorized to provide technical assistance and adopt rules to ensure consistency and compliance with state regulations.

The bill also revises the exemption criteria for vessel relocation requirements and establishes a grant program for local governments to assist in the removal and disposal of derelict and migrant vessels. Notably, it changes the threshold for the exemption from 100 to 60 new moorings available for public use within a specified area in Monroe County. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.