Freedom of Our Waterways for All

We are a coalition of dedicated boaters associations representing more than 20,000 members committed to advocating for the rights of all active cruisers and boaters. Our mission is to ensure safe, equitable, and sustainable access to our public waterways. 

Through education and collaboration, we aim to bring together all stakeholders—boaters, policymakers, and the public—to foster a deeper understanding of the responsible use of our waterways. We strive to make research and resources on waterway access, anchoring, mooring, and passage easily accessible, ensuring informed discussions and decisions.

Together, we navigate towards a future where our waterways, moorings, and anchorages remain open to everyone and continue to be cherished for generations to come.

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Long Term Anchoring Permit Now Needed in Florida

As of January 1, 2026, vessels anchored in Florida waters for 14 days or more within any 30-day period are now required to obtain a no-cost electronic long-term anchoring permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Permit applicants are required to complete an online application, which includes vessel and applicant information.

Vessel owners that violate this requirement to obtain a no cost Long Term Anchoring Permit are subject to being cited under s. 327.4111, F.S. for a non-criminal violation. Owners receiving 3 or more citations for violations of s. 327.4111, F.S. within a 24 month period may have their vessels removed and disposed of by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under the Public Nuisance Vessel laws in s.327.73(1)(aa), F.S.

The permits are provided by FWC at no cost to the applicant, and may be applied for online using the link provided below.

FOUNDATIONAL INFORMATION

Statutes, laws, definitions, and details

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Florida Vessel Safety Statute - Chapter 327 Full Text

The primary basis for boating safety and regulation in the State of Florida is Statute Chapter 327 Vessel Safety.

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Florida Vessel Statute - Chapter 327 Definitions

State of Florida Statute Chapter 327 Florida Vessel Safety definitions. Of particular interest to pleasure and cruising boaters include:

(8) "Commercial vessel" 
(12) "Documented vessel"
(13) “Effective means of propulsion for safe navigation” 
(14) “Floating structure”
(17)  “Houseboat”
(23)  “Live-aboard vessel”
(46)  “Unclaimed vessel”
(48)  “Waters of this state”

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Florida Vessel Statute - Chapter 327 Anchoring Limitation Areas (ALAs)

327.4108 outlines the State of Florida's current grand fathered in Anchoring Limitation Areas (ALAs), defines ALAs terms, and outlines the rules for enacting ALAs in accordance with State of Florida statutes.

Florida Vessel Statute – Chapter 327 Local Regulations (s. 327.60)

327.60 outlines the limits on how counties and municipalities may regulate vessels in Florida waters. Recent updates to 327.60(2)(f)(3) add limited authority for counties with populations of 1.5 million or more.

RESOURCES AND REPORTS FROM CREDIBLE SOURCES

Documents, Insights, Findings, and Analysis

Various public and private organizations, non-profits, scholars, legislators, and municipalities have invested much time, effort, and money researching boating questions and concerns throughout the State of Florida. Here are some of those resources that may be useful for research, discussions, and decisions.

 

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Map for Miami Beach No Overnight Anchoring Areas

Approximation of areas where overnight anchoring is banned as laid out in Florida Statute 327.4108 are highlighted in red.

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Boating, Waterways, and the Rights of Navigation in Florida 2/2019

A University of Florida Levin College of Law Legal Studies Research Paper which represents the fifth edition of analysis of the federal, state, and local government law associated with the practice of navigating on the waters of the State of Florida.

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State Policy Brief: Amendments to Florida's Boating Laws, 2021

The 2021 Florida Legislature passed two significant bills affecting Florida boating law. Senate Bill 1946 amends Chapter 327 of the Florida Statutes to address the question of anchorage limitations over state waters. Senate Bill 1086 is considerably broader, addressing among many issues: at-risk and derelict vessels, marine sanitation devices, no-discharge zones in aquatic preserves, and vessel regulation in springs.

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Miami-Dade RER-DERM Report, 11/2023

On July 19, 2022, the Board of County Commissioners (Board) adopted Resolution No. R-722-22, directing the County Mayor or County Mayor’s designee to conduct a study and make recommendations regarding the establishment of additional anchoring limitation areas in Miami-Dade County pursuant to Florida Statute. This report was prepared by staff of the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources, Division of Environmental Resources Management (RER-DERM).

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Florida's Long-Term Stored Vessel Study, 2/2023

Overview - Florida conducted a study to better understand of the impacts of long-term stored vessels on local communities and the state. For the purposes of the study, a “long-term stored vessel” is a boat on state waters which is not under the supervision or control of a person capable of operating, maintaining, or moving it from one location to another and which has remained anchored or moored outside of a public mooring field for at least 30 days out of a 60-day period.

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FWC - Long-Term Stored Vessel Study, 9/2023

Overview - In 2019, Florida’s Legislature authorized the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to conduct a study to establish if a correlation between long-term stored vessels and the incidence of derelict vessels exists; to identify the impacts to local and state economies, infrastructure, safety, and the environment; and to propose recommendations to help mitigate any negative impacts. The study was funded in 2022, and it arose against a backdrop  regulatory initiatives related to anchoring, including major legislation enacted after this study’s 2019 conception. 

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FWC - Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP)

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) allows vessel owners who have received a written citation or warning for their vessel being at risk to voluntarily surrender their unwanted vessel to the FWC. Surrendered vessels will be removed from Florida waters and destroyed at no cost to the vessel owner. The costs of removing, destroying and disposing of eligible VTIP vessels are 100% funded by this program.

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FWC - Derelict and At-Risk Vessels Overview

FWC - Derelict Vessel Interactive Map

FWC - Derelict Vessel Removal Grant Program

Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) Derelict Vessel Removal Grant

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FWC - Anchoring and Mooring Pilot Program Report

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), was directed by Florida’s Legislature in 2009 to establish a pilot program to explore potential options for regulating the anchoring or mooring of vessels (other than live-aboard vessels) outside the marked boundaries of public mooring fields. This Legislative action was codified in Section 327.4105, Florida Statutes (F.S.), and has since become widely referred to as the “Anchoring and Mooring Pilot Program.”

 

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NMMA Economic Impact of Boating in Florida Data

The National Marine Manufacturers Association regularly tabulates the economic impact of the recreational boating industry for the United States and individual States. In the State of Florida, recreational boating generates $33.3 billion in annual economic impact, supporting more than 7k businesses and 109k jobs.  You can view Recreational Boating Industry Data in U.S. and by State.

 

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NMMA Advocacy Links

Overview - NMMA advocates on behalf of its more than 1,300 members to protect and expand the recreational boating industry in the United States, Canada, and around the world. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, marine accessories, and gear used by millions of boaters in North America. 

Recent Reports and Outreach Activities:

NMMA Policy Priorities for 2024-25 - with economic data and outline of priorities

NMMA Applauds Congressional Leadership on WRDA Authorization, Urges Continued Progress - News Release - 12/16/2024

NMMA Applauds Congressional Leadership on WRDA Authorization, Urges Continued Progress - Letter - 12/06/2024

Congressional passage of the reconciled Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) authorization would strengthen the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) role in managing public lands and waters by enhancing public access and improving recreational facilities. 

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FWC Derelict Updates Report - 11/2025

11/18/2025 Presentation by FWC Major Bill Holcomb to the Florida House Agriculture & Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee discussing Derelict Vessels.

FWC Derelict Updates Report - 2/2025

Presentation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Derelict Vessels, Enforcement Challenges, and the Long Term Vessel Storage Study to the Florida Senate Environment and Natural Resources committee on Tuesday, February 4, 2025

WHO WE ARE

Collaborate

A Coalition of four active boaters associations representing more than 20,000 boaters.  The coalition include America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association, DeFever Cruisers, Marine Trawler Owners Association, and Seven Seas Cruising Association.

WHAT WE DO

Advocate

Advocate for the rights of active cruisers and boaters focusing on safety, access, environmentally aware, enjoyment of our natural resources. 

OUR MISSION

Educate 

We aim to educate and bring together all stakeholders—boaters, policymakers, and the public—to foster a deeper understanding of the responsible use of our waterways. 

Our easy access library for the vast quantities of research and resources related to state statutes, waterway access, anchoring, mooring, navigation, and passage making for boaters, policy makers, and the public. 

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