Additional Information Sources
Public and private organizations, media outlets, non-profits, scholars, legislators, and municipalities have invested much time, effort, and money researching and reporting on boating issues. Here are some of those sources that may be useful for research, discussions, and decisions.
National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Advocacy
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. The NMMA Advocacy page shares economic data on the boating industry.
Boat US Advocacy
BoatUS uses the collective strength of over a half a million members to fight against unfair taxes and regulations, all the while advocating sound public policy that promotes safe, responsible boating. Issues for BoatUS are as diverse as boating safety funding and regulation, boating access and facilities enhancement, navigational charts, marine communications, channel maintenance, environmental policy, fisheries management, construction standards for boats and marine weather forecasting. Their Advocacy page provides State Legislative bill tracking, helpful during sessions when boaters rights are being threatened.
2023 Biscayne Bay Economic Impact Report
In 2022 and 2023, Miami-Dade County partnered with the South Florida Water Management District to update their 2005 study. The 2022 study focused on various economic contributions from Biscayne Bay, including those from recreation, commercial fishing, and PortMiami operations, with the new addition of the impact on residential property values.
Florida State Senate
Home page for the State of Florida Senate including district maps, representative information, and proposed legislation.
Florida State House of Representatives
Home page for the State of Florida House of Representatives including district maps, representative information, and proposed legislation.
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission information page including offices, leadership, rules & regulations, and proposed legislation.
2025 Legislative Bills
Three important bills put forth during the 2025 legislative sessions as reference for ongoing activity.
HB481/SB866 Anchoring Limitation Areas - Full Text
This bill restricts anchoring between additional islands in the Miami Beach area, extends the no-anchoring zone around marked mooring fields from 100 to 300 feet, and in counties with populations above 1.5 million people it prohibits anchoring for more than 4 hours during nighttime for more than 30 days in a six-month period.
HB795/SB594 No Anchoring or Mooring Zones – Full Text
This bill allows seaports in Florida to apply to Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) for a no-anchoring zone around the seaport. The proposed no-anchoring zone may not exceed 5000 feet (almost one statute mile) from seaport facilities. FWC has approval authority of the no-anchoring zone following consultation with certain government entities.
HB1149/SB164 Vessel Accountability - Full Text
This bill creates a requirement for permits for long-term anchoring throughout Florida. These permits are free of charge. Long-term anchored boats are those which remain in the same location for more than 14 days. Permits are specific to the owner, vessel and anchored location. This bill also specifies that vessels that have received three or more violations of the Florida statute defining a vessel at risk of becoming derelict over a 24-month period must be declared a public nuisance and subjected to forced removal from the waterways after following a specified hearing process.
Boaters' Rights Advocacy Coalition Information Presentation Deck
A detailed slide deck about the coalition and its position, purpose, economic data and impact, existing programs and options used to educate members and legislators when meeting.
Boaters' Rights Advocacy Coalition Information One-Page Outline
A one-page outline about the coalition and its position, purpose, economic data and impact, existing programs and options used to quickly educate members and legislators when meeting.