New Rules for Local Boating Enforcement and Restrictions

Where This Stands

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Signed

Current status: signed.

Last action

Chapter No. 2026-36Apr 21, 2026

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

View official text →

The Frame

What this does

Local residents may see increased enforcement of boating regulations by code officers rather than just police, and municipalities gain new authority to set speed and traffic restrictions on local waterways, effective July 1, 2026.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Boat owners

Subject to new enforcement powers by local code officers and potential changes to local boating-restricted areas.

Municipalities and counties

Granted new authority to enforce specific boating laws and establish restricted zones, subject to state approval.

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Required to review and approve local ordinances and adopt implementing rules.

Monroe County residents

Subject to updated requirements for anchoring exemptions near the Key West Bight City Dock.

What changed

Current stage: signed.

What's next

Next step not available in the current record.

Summary

This law allows local governments to authorize code enforcement officers to handle specific boating violations, such as s and long-term anchoring. It also updates the process for cities and counties to establish boating-restricted areas and adjusts specific anchoring exemptions in Monroe County.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my local code enforcement officer ticket me for boating violations?

Yes, if your local government adopts an ordinance authorizing them to do so and the FWC approves that ordinance.

What happens if I have multiple derelict vessel violations?

If you receive three or more violations within a 24-month period, your vessel may be declared a public nuisance and subject to removal by authorities.

How long does the state have to approve a local boating-restricted area?

The FWC must review and act on a completed application for a boating-restricted area within 90 days.

Why It Matters

Local residents may see increased enforcement of boating regulations by code officers rather than just police, and municipalities gain new authority to set speed and traffic restrictions on local waterways, effective July 1, 2026.

News Coverage

No news coverage found yet. Articles are indexed twice daily.

Voting Record

Motion succeededupper3/5/2026openstates_bulkOfficial roll call ↗

Third Reading

Total

39

Yes

37

No

0

Present

0

Not Voting

0

Abstain

0

How they voted (39)

+ 15 more

Motion succeededlower3/3/2026openstates_bulkOfficial roll call ↗

Passage, Third Reading

Total

117

Yes

109

No

0

Present

0

Not Voting

8

Abstain

0

How they voted (117)

+ 93 more

Full roll-call analysis →

Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift100% confidence

Decentralization of Boating Enforcement

The act shifts the burden of enforcing specific vessel laws from state-level agencies to local code enforcement officers, provided they meet state approval criteria.

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission