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Overnight anchoring banned
- Date Reported: Jun 15, 2016
- Reporter: Ted Stehle
- Source: Waterway Guide
- Description:
Areas where overnight anchoring will be banned starting July 1, 2016, as best interpreted from the legislation. Four areas in Miami Beach (left) and Middle River in Fort Lauderdale (right). Graphic and interpretation: Mike Ahart, News Editor, WaterwayGuide.com
2016 Florida legislation bans overnight anchoring in the sections of Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County lying between Rivo Alto Island and Di Lido Island, San Marino Island and San Marco Island, and San Marco Island and Biscayne Island, effective July 1, 2016. It is illegal to anchor at any time during the period between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise.
Exceptions:
- If the vessel suffers a mechanical failure that poses an unreasonable risk of harm to the vessel or the persons onboard unless the vessel anchors. The vessel may anchor for three business days or until the vessel is repaired, whichever occurs first.
- If imminent or existing weather conditions in the vicinity of the vessel pose an unreasonable risk of harm to the vessel or the persons onboard unless the vessel anchors. The vessel may anchor until weather conditions no longer pose such risk. During a hurricane or tropical storm, weather conditions are deemed to no longer pose an unreasonable risk of harm when the hurricane or tropical storm warning affecting the area has expired.
- During events described in s.327.48 or other special events, including, but not limited to, public music performances, local government waterfront activities, or fireworks displays. A vessel may anchor for the lesser of the duration of the special event or three days.
- Vessels owned or operated by a governmental entity for law enforcement, firefighting, military, or rescue purposes.
- Construction or dredging vessels on an active job site.
- Vessels actively engaged in commercial fishing.
- Vessels engaged in recreational fishing if the persons onboard are actively tending hook and line fishing gear or nets.
The bill provides that citations will result in a mandatory court appearance and a $50 civil penalty. Those failing to show up for court may be found guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, with more severe penalties.
The City of Miami Beach also recently passed an amendment to an ordinance which now makes it unlawful to tie a dinghy to sections of the Collins Canal walls to visit the city, leaving only limited dinghy access. The City is also enforcing a 7-day limit to anchoring in all waters adjacent to the city.
- Lat / Lon: N 25° 47.417' / W 080° 09.890'
