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New Rules in Florida for Derelict Boats
July 18, 2026 · 10 min · 104K 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 utilize 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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