Our thanks to Mike Bodin of Marine Trawler Owners Association for this updated perspective on Florida’s anchoring restrictions. See Florida Wildlife and Fish Commission Proposed Anchoring Program . 

MTOA Florida Legislature Update 2/16/2017
Enclosed is the latest review from Capitol Access in Tallahassee representing the following Boating
consortium: SSCA, Standing Watch, AGLCA, MTOA, CFFW.
We are promoting safe and considerate use of anchorages, and opposed to unjustified regulations of
Florida’s waterways.
The Boating consortium has had great success with the initial bill that was filed last night. The provisions
of the bill are consistent with essentially all components of the consortium’s position:

1. The STATE reserves all authority to adopt anchoring and mooring regulations (therefore avoiding a
patchwork of differing regulations at the local level).

2. There are no anchoring setbacks measured from residential waterfront properties.

3. The setbacks from boat ramps, launch facilities and marinas is 150 feet.

4. The buffer around existing mooring fields is 300 feet (as-recommended by FWC

5. There are no additional anchoring limitation areas throughout the State
This bill will be filed by the House Committee on Natural Resources and Public Lands, Chaired by Rep. Holly Raschein whose district covers the Florida Keys. The next step will be for the Committee to vote on whether the Committee itself will file this as a bill sponsored by the Committee (rather than a bill filed and sponsored by an individual member). Following that vote, the bill (called a PCB or Proposed Committee Bill) would then receive referrals to multiple committees and be heard in each one successively. Of course, Capitol Access would be in attendance at every step and provide their input.

Capitol Access will watch for any amendments that are filed. There may be a need for our boaters to appears and give testimony.

There is no Senate bill filed yet. Capitol Access is lead lobbyists.

Mike Bodin
MTOA Public Advocate