(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.
So, 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.