A new state law is in effect, intended to reduce derelict and at-risk vessels on Florida’s waterways by giving marine law enforcement stronger tools.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 164 into law June 19 and the measure took effect July 1.
The law addresses the growing problem of derelict vessels — boats that are abandoned, damaged or no longer seaworthy — which can threaten marine life, public safety, navigation and property.
Changes under the law
Some changes under the new law:
- A vessel title serves as presumed proof of ownership, making it clearer who is responsible for a boat;
- Boat owners must complete an “Effective Means of Propulsion” evaluation if law enforcement suspects a vessel can’t safely operate under its own power;
- A vessel can be declared a public nuisance if the owner receives three citations for at-risk conditions within 24 months;
- Law enforcement can issue noncriminal citations by mail for violations such as expired registration or unauthorized long-term anchoring;
- Funds earmarked for removing derelict vessels can be used to prevent vessels from becoming derelict or to remove nuisance boats;
- Penalties increased for repeat offenders, with charges from first-degree misdemeanors to second-degree felonies for multiple derelict vessel offenses;
- Living aboard a vessel that’s been declared derelict is prohibited and carries a first-degree misdemeanor charge.
Additional anchoring regulations will go into force in 2026, including an annual electronic permit for vessels anchoring long-term. Fines will start at $100 for a first offense and rise to $500 for repeat violations. Owners who receive three violations in two years could see their vessels declared public nuisances and removed, similar to derelict boats.
Capt. Travis Franklin, who oversees the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s derelict vessel removal and prevention program, described the law as a step forward.
“We have seen increasing success in our efforts to combat the ongoing derelict vessel problem in Florida’s waters,” Franklin said in a June 27 news release. “This new legislation enhances our efforts to not only remove derelict vessels but also prevent at-risk vessels from becoming derelict.”
According to FWC’s derelict vessel mapping tool, there are more than 900 vessels under investigation in state waters — including 40 in Manatee County.
Local impact
Among the local agencies reviewing the new law is the Bradenton Beach Police Department, which launched its vessel removal program in 2004 with a grant from the West Coast Inland Navigation District.
BBPD Chief John Cosby said the department “welcomes any additional tools that help us address derelict or at-risk vessels in our waters.”
BBPD marine patrol Officer Eric Hill, who has policed the waters off Bradenton Beach for more than two decades, emphasized the importance of balancing enforcement with compassion.
“I have really tried to work with (boat owners) before I start issuing paper,” Hill said. “In other words, if I’m getting to the point where I’m writing you a pre-derelict citation — or if it does become derelict — I’ve already had enough contact with you and have done everything but ask ‘pretty please with a cherry on top’ before we get to that point.”
Hill said many boaters comply or at least try to work toward compliance.
“And as long as you’re trying, I’ll work with you. But certain people just kind of blow it off and ignore it, and that’s where we’ve got to kind of kick it up and enforce the law,” he said.
Hill also touched on the expense to taxpayers.
“The last boat that we lifted that was up against the city pier was $21,000 for a 31-foot boat,” Hill said. “When these things go down, you’re the one paying for it. Ultimately, where do we get our money from? The people.”
Under Florida law, leaving a vessel in derelict condition remains a crime and abandoning a vessel in state waters can result in penalties for the owner, including up to five years in jail or a $5,000 fine. It also is a crime to take an abandoned vessel without first getting a title.