Will many Florida anchorages be a thing of the past?
Date Posted: March 4, 2015
Source: WG, Florida State Senate

(EDITORIAL)

As expected, a bill restricting legal anchoring has been introduced in the Florida Senate with a similar House bill likely on its way (see related article: Anchoring restrictions introduced in Florida bill). SB 1548: Vessel Safety would drastically change current navigation laws as early as July 1, 2015, including making it illegal to anchor or moor a vessel "within 200 feet of the shoreline of developed waterfront property... between the times of one hour past sunset and one hour before sunrise," with a "safe harbor" exception.

Additionally, a vessel may not anchor or moor "within 200 feet of the marked boundary of a permitted mooring field or any public boat ramp, hoist, marine railway, or other launching or landing facility available for use by the general public." The bill also outlines rules for vessels stored at anchor. Violations may result in fines and an appearance before the county court. 

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, in the attempt to inform new legislation, recently conducted a survey for stakeholders to submit opinions and preferences on anchoring regulations, which, in my opinion, was skewed to produce specific results, including 150-foot setbacks for both residential property and public marine infrastructure. In the actual results, support for setbacks less than 150-feet strongly outweighed support for over 150 feet.

Sunset-Anchorage.jpgSo, in light of the survey results, why was 200 feet chosen for this legislation? One can only speculate.

How would this law affect cruisers? I have said many times why I believe that any residential anchoring setback will have negative consequences for legitimate cruisers, creating an environment of confusion and animosity for boaters and homeowners – and likely an increased burden on law enforcement. But a 200-foot setback would effectively close many anchorages, especially in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami areas – excepting the "safe harbor" provision, which would require a cruiser to justify his/her "need" to anchor in a particular place. I think a good case in point is the Sunset Lake anchorage in Miami Beach.

Anchorages like Sunset Lake are significant for cruisers because of their all-around protection, good depths, access to provisioning, and proximity to ocean inlets. Sunset Lake is a popular staging spot for those waiting for a weather window to cross to the Bahamas and beyond.

And if this law is passed, you can remove Sunset Lake – and dozens of others – from your anchorage list.

Sunset Lake is around 500 feet wide and is surrounded by residential property. As you can see in the diagram, a 200-foot (or even a 150-foot) residential setback would make anchoring here next to impossible. If you manage to set your anchor to put your vessel in the "sweet spot" initially, a slight shift of wind direction or current will likely push you into the "no-go" zone. (Note: The group of 25 boats shown in the anchorage are not cruising-sized vessels – they are tiny sailing dinghies placed by a waterfront homeowner to prevent other boaters from anchoring in the public waters adjacent to his property).

I have shown the swinging circle of a typical 40' cruising boat – 5:1 rode/depth ratio, 4 feet of freeboard, 8 foot depths (here's the math: ((8' + 4') x 5) + 40' = 100' radius, x 2 = 200' diameter).

This is only one of dozens of locations where anchoring would become effectively prohibited or severely hampered – and many of these are the only anchorages available offering all-around protection from high wind and waves – I find it comical that these proposed laws are under the title "Vessel Safety."

Derelict boats, boats stored at anchor, and some liveaboard vessels are a real problem in parts of Florida, and I support any laws that keep the waterways clean and open for navigation. The 200-foot setbacks proposed in this legislation will not make the waterways, waterfront property, or cruising any safer – and for cruisers, it may do just the opposite. I urge all Florida residents who want to keep the public waters truly public to contact your state representatives and let them know what you think about this bill. The Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) recently posted resources to make it easy (see SSCA releases Florida anchoring rights position.) 

See SSCA report: Storm clouds on the Florida anchoring horizon.

Comment Submitted by Jim Healy - March 25, 2015
Mike, My letter to State Representative Charlie Van Zant of Green Cove Springs: To the Honorable Charles E. Van Zant; Dear Representative Van Zant, I am a legal resident of Green Cove Springs and an active boater. Yesterday, I wrote to Sen. Rob Bradley requesting that he decline to support Senate Bill 1548 – titled “An Act Related to Vessel Safety.” SB 1548 is in effect a transfer of littoral lands held by the state in public trust to wealthy waterfront landowners and select private business interests. SB 1548 creates new rights to these lands and confers those rights not to the public in who's name they are held, but instead to wealthy waterfront landowners. Later in the day yesterday, I became aware of House Committee Bill PCB HWSS 15-06 (introduced by Representative Holly Raschein). The politics driving SB 1548 originate from isolated disputes between waterfront landowners and occupants of anchored vessels which have resulted in highly publicized conflicts between individuals. These isolated disputes do not justify a sweeping, statewide law which would affect the rights and freedoms of hundreds of thousands of boaters throughout the maritime waters of coastal Florida. These disputes should be resolved on a case-by-case basis through proceedings available in the judicial branch of municipal, county and state government. House Committee Bill PCB HWSS 15-06 deals with derelict vessels without changing current Florida-wide anchoring law. When we first moved to Florida, there was a confusing and inconsistent patchwork of local, city and county laws that restricted or disallowed anchoring in public trust waters. Compliance with that patchwork of local ordinances was impossible. Florida Statute 327.60 ended that patchwork of inconsistent anchoring policies and selfish local manipulation of navigation rights and rules. Now in 2015, House Committee Bill PCB HWSS 15-06 creates an “at risk” category of boats and gives local governments new tools to manage these boats. Because local governments have sought anchoring restrictions largely to manage problems with derelicts, I strongly believe that PCB HWSS 15-06 is an excellent step in to deter vessels from becoming derelict in the first place. I ask that you support PCB HWSS 15-06. I also ask that as the opportunity presents itself in the future, that you vote to maintain the statewide consistency of anchoring rules established in F.S. 327.60 and prohibit local or regional exceptions to this state wide policy. Thank you for your consideration. Jim Healy
Comment Submitted by Ralph Beyhl - March 5, 2015
This would be like saying you can't park a car within 200 feet of any street front property!
Comment Submitted by Wally Moran - March 4, 2015
As always Mike, an excellent article. We have a fight on our hands this time around, and I'm truly concerned for our rights. I think we may be in serious trouble in Florida.
Comment Submitted by Rich Morpurgo - March 5, 2015
This is a sad state of affairs. As someone who keeps a cruising sailboat in Florida, it seems like the navigable waters are going private.
Comment Submitted by Kiwi Cruiser - March 5, 2015
We were up in the Manatee Pocket area of Stuart this past weekend and could not drop the hook due to all the derelict boats in this small anchorage that looked like they have been there for years.. I support the removal of these vessels but to swing the pendulum as far as it is bring proposed is assinine for the rest of us responsible cruisers. Unfortunately money will win this vote and my odds are sadly on the homeowners. Time to buy stock in IR measuring devices.......
Comment Submitted by Max Parker - March 6, 2015
Let it be clear that if Florida passes this law, the precedent will allow it to sweep up the East Coast. Mike's updates should be a call to arms for all cruising boaters to speak out in protection of a free waterway.
Comment Submitted by Sailor Sam - March 5, 2015
There is always room for negotiating a settlement that everyone could live with and that would benefit everyone. If out of state sailors paid a $20 flat fee to moor in FL waters for up to 60 days ___ that flat fee money could be used to remove derelict vessels. The mooring restrictions do absolutely nothing to remove the countless derelict vessels that clog many areas.
Comment Submitted by W.E. 'Ted" Guy, Jr - March 5, 2015
Also, Lake Santa Barbara, and almost any place else in Broward.
Comment Submitted by Capt. Robert - March 16, 2015
Mike: Well said. Here is letter I sent to my FL State Senator yesterday. Dear Senator Aaron Bean: I am deeply concerned about the SB 1548 “Vessel Safety” bill that is currently being considered in the Florida Senate. As a licensed skipper, sailor, and resident of your district I have enjoyed the waterways of Florida year round for the past decade. My family and I frequently sail from the St. Johns River, up and down the ICW. At the end of a long day we drop the hook wherever we are, and enjoy a peaceful sunset with dinner, and turn in early for the night. And I don’t mind if there are homes on the shore where we anchor, I’m happy to share the sunset. This bill will completely change my favorite past time! I’ll no longer be able to relax out there, knowing that I must find an approved anchorage that isn’t full, or deal with the hassle and expense of finding a marina, and getting the boat into a slip or mooring. Over the years I have met many boaters from all over North America and Europe. They are a resourceful lot, and come here to enjoy the ICW as they head for the Keys, Bahamas, or Caribbean. Many store their boats in our boatyards for the summer. They are not boat bums, they spend a lot of money as they travel; and they will spend it only where they are welcome! To preclude boaters from anchoring less than 200 feet away from developed waterfront property tells them to move along—you’re not wanted here. And I have heard it said more than once that if there are restrictions, they will take a left at the St. Marys River and skip our state. I’ve been following this issue for a long time: yes there is a problem with derelict vessels and absentee owners, but use the laws in place to deal with them, don’t punish the thousands of responsible boaters who love cruising here!
Comment Submitted by Steven Ward - March 6, 2015
I am fortunate to have my own dock, it was part of the reason I moved here. Another reason is because I wanted to "cruise," at least for a weekend. This bill would adversely affect many Florida retirees. The proposed legislation is mainly for the nighttime hours ... Is my sailboat, at anchor, so loud to disturb dry land resident in the middle of the night ?? There must be another reason for the introduction of this measure. Could we have the REAL reason ?? Who introduced the legislation ?? Who is the REAL author ?? I invite your comments.
Comment Submitted by Capt Robert - March 19, 2015
Mike: See my Mon, Mar 16 post. I sent same letter to my FL State Rep and here is encouraging reply that I received yesterday. Good to hear, but we boaters must continue educating the public on our rights and how we contribute to the economy. houseseal_color.tif Florida House of Representatives Representative Lake Ray District 12 Dear Mr. Beringer, I appreciate your concerns and your input regarding this issue. I will consider your comments when contemplating this issue in the future. My staff looked into Senate Bill 1548 for me. It does not appear to be moving in the Senate, but more important, it does not have a House Sponsor. Without a House companion the bill cannot possibly become law. With each passing day the likelyhood diminishes rapidly! Sincerely, Lake Ray State Representative Florida House of Representatives, District 12
Explore More News & Articles In Specific Cruising Areas
Recent Videos
Plan Your Boating Adventures with Waterway Guide
Waterway Guide's new Mobile App on iPad Mini with maps, data links, and downloadable guide books
Fuel Prices for Boating at Waterwayguide.com
Purchase a Guide
  • 4,000 Marinas
  • Thousands of anchorages
  • Updated Charts
  • Mile-by-Mile Navigation
  • Highlighted Alerts & Cautions
  • Full-Color Aerial Photographs
Download The App

The Waterway Guide App Makes it easy to leave reviews, use our explorer, and view waterway guide materials all on the go!