The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is preparing to implement new legislation aimed at reducing derelict vessels and strengthening protections for Florida’s waterways. Senate Bill 164, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 19, officially goes into effect on July 1, 2025.

The law provides expanded authority and enforcement tools for FWC officers and partner agencies, all with the goal of increasing vessel accountability and preventing environmental and safety hazards caused by neglected boats.

“This new legislation enhances our efforts to not only remove derelict vessels but also prevent at-risk vessels from becoming derelict,” said Capt. Travis Franklin, who leads the FWC’s Derelict Vessel Removal and Prevention Program.

Key Provisions of Senate Bill 164 Include:

  • Clearer Vessel Ownership Standards: A valid vessel title now serves as legal proof of ownership.

  • Effective Propulsion Evaluation: Law enforcement can require vessel owners to prove their boat has an effective means of propulsion (EMP), conducted immediately or within 48 hours if the owner is notified.

  • Public Nuisance Vessel Designation: A vessel may now be classified as a public nuisance and subject to removal if the owner receives three at-risk condition citations within 24 months.

  • Expanded Noncriminal Citations: Officers can now issue mailed noncriminal citations for issues like expired registration or long-term anchoring.

  • Improved Use of Removal Funds: Funds can now be used for the Vessel Turn-In Program and nuisance vessel removals, in addition to derelict vessel removal.

  • Stronger Penalties for Repeat Offenders:

    • First offense: First-degree misdemeanor

    • Second offense: Third-degree felony

    • Third offense: Second-degree felony

  • Prohibition on Living Aboard Derelict Vessels: It’s now a misdemeanor to live on a vessel deemed derelict by a court or without an administrative hearing.

Starting July 1, 2026, additional measures will require annual electronic permits for long-term anchoring. Penalties for unauthorized anchoring will include escalating fines and possible vessel removal after three violations.

Derelict vessels—those that are sunken, grounded, stripped of parts, or unseaworthy—pose serious risks to Florida’s seagrass beds, marine life, public safety, and navigation. The FWC continues to prioritize the removal of these vessels through its statewide efforts in collaboration with local governments.

The FWC’s Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) has already removed nearly 200 vessels and continues to offer support to at-risk boat owners. For more information or to apply for VTIP, visit MyFWC.com/Boating or call 850-488-5600.

Positively Osceola encourages residents to stay informed and help keep Florida’s waterways safe and beautiful.