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FloridaHB 11032026HouseWALLET

Local Administration of Vessel Restrictions

Sponsored By: Robert Alexander "Alex" Andrade (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AppropriationNatural Resources & Disasters SubcommitteeIntergovernmental Affairs SubcommitteeState Affairs CommitteeRules

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Monroe boat homes face earlier anchoring limits

Beginning July 1, 2026, Monroe County's anchoring exemption ends at 60 new public-use moorings, down from 100. The moorings must be within 1 mile of Key West Bight City Dock. The exemption covers vessels on Florida waters in Monroe County whose owner or occupant legally established the vessel as a home. Until the mooring requirement is met, the state wildlife commission must prioritize the area for investigating and removing derelict vessels.

Local boat limits target blind corners

Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida counties and cities can limit boat speed and operation where waterways meet at blind corners. Restrictions can cover 300 feet, extending up to 1,000 feet when needed for safe navigation and visibility. Boundaries must have uniform waterway markers that follow state wildlife commission rules. Before an ordinance takes effect, the commission must find substantial evidence that it is needed for public safety. The commission must identify missing application information within 30 days and act on applications within 90 days.

Local officers gain boat enforcement powers

Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida counties and cities can authorize code officers to enforce nuisance-vessel and long-term anchoring permit rules. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission must approve each local ordinance before it takes effect and adopt implementing rules. Officers can issue noncriminal boating tickets and oversee notices, corrections, relocation, removal, storage, destruction, or disposal of covered vessels. Covered violations carry fines of $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $500 for later offenses. The higher fines require offenses at least 30 days apart. Three or more qualifying violations within 24 months can make a vessel a public nuisance eligible for removal; acquittals and dismissals do not count. Owners can owe removal, storage, disposal, and damage costs, and unexcused failure to appear or pay can lead to criminal consequences. Officers must file citations within five days, and agencies must retain citation records, including spoiled forms. Officials following the removal process are protected from liability unless they act with gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Robert Alexander "Alex" Andrade

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Fabián Basabe

    Republican • House

  • Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee

    Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 146 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/5/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 37 • No: 0

House vote • 3/3/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 109 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter No. 2026-36

    4/21/2026

  2. Approved by Governor

    4/20/2026

  3. Signed by Officers and presented to Governor

    4/9/2026

  4. Ordered enrolled

    3/5/2026House

  5. In Messages

    3/5/2026House

  6. CS passed; YEAS 37 NAYS 0 -SJ 611

    3/5/2026Senate

  7. Read 3rd time -SJ 611

    3/5/2026Senate

  8. Read 2nd time -SJ 611

    3/5/2026Senate

  9. Substituted for CS/SB 1682 -SJ 611

    3/5/2026Senate

  10. Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

    3/5/2026Senate

  11. Withdrawn from Rules -SJ 611

    3/5/2026Senate

  12. Received

    3/3/2026Senate

  13. Referred to Rules

    3/3/2026Senate

  14. In Messages

    3/3/2026Senate

  15. CS passed; YEAS 109, NAYS 0

    3/3/2026House

  16. Read 3rd time

    3/3/2026House

  17. Added to Third Reading Calendar

    3/3/2026House

  18. Read 2nd time

    3/3/2026House

  19. Bill added to Special Order Calendar (3/3/2026)

    2/26/2026House

  20. Added to Second Reading Calendar

    2/24/2026House

  21. Bill released to House Calendar

    2/24/2026House

  22. Reported out of State Affairs Committee

    2/24/2026House

  23. Favorable by State Affairs Committee

    2/24/2026House

  24. Added to State Affairs Committee agenda

    2/20/2026House

  25. Now in State Affairs Committee

    2/16/2026House

Bill Text

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