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New Rules in Florida for Derelict Boats

18 July 2026 · 10 min · 112K views

What this video covers

Florida has implemented stricter regulations to identify and remove derelict and at-risk vessels from state waterways.0:38 Under current law, a boat is classified as at-risk if it lacks effective propulsion, cannot dewater, has open hatches or ports, or is improperly anchored.2:01 Owners receiving three citations for at-risk conditions within 24 months face potential removal of the vessel under public nuisance statutes.5:00 Additionally, as of 2026, vessels anchored in Florida for 14 days or more within a 30-day period must obtain a no-cost electronic long-term anchoring permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).5:15 The state now uses valid titles as presumed evidence of ownership to prevent the abandonment of vessels through informal, undocumented sales.3:56 Owners of deteriorating boats may utilise the FWC Vessel Turn-In Program to voluntarily surrender and dispose of at-risk craft at no cost before they become legally classified as derelict.8:31

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