This is good news for Waterway cruisers in Georgia. Our thanks to Kim Russo for this announcement posted on AGLCA’s Forum.

Minutes ago the Georgia State Senate passed legislation that will undo the disastrous anchoring regulations that took effect in that state on January 1st of this year. HB 833, sponsored by Georgia Representative (and Gold Looper!), Ron Stephens, passed the Georgia House on March 12th, but didn’t make it to the Senate floor for a vote before the General Assembly adjourned for COVID-19 quarantine. The lawmakers have returned, and the bill passed the Senate today by a vote of 48-1.

HB 833 takes back some of the widespread power the previous law afforded DNR to regulate anchoring. In short, HB 833 removes the ability to require permits for all overnight anchoring, removes the requirement to keep records of pump outs, and perhaps most importantly, removes the requirement that boats not anchor within 1,000 feet of water front structures and within 300 feet of marinas. Instead, the new law changes those set-back distances to 150-feet from waterfront structures, 300-feet from marinas, and 500-feet from commercial shellfish beds for short-term anchoring, which is defined as anchoring in the same place for up to 14 cumulative nights per calendar year. Long term anchoring (over 14 days in the same place) will require a permit.

The bill now requires a signature from the Governor, which is expected soon. Once signed, the new law takes effect immediately.

This is a big win for the boating community and a great example of what our membership can do with our collective advocacy efforts.

Kim Russo
Director
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association