LTC 251-2025 Recommendation for Local Ordinance to Enforce New State Limits on Vessel AnchorageMIAMIBE
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
H
LTC#
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
LETTER TO COMMISSION
Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner Members of the City Commission
Eric Carpenter,City Manager
Mark Taxis,Assistant City Manager
Ricardo 1.Dopico,cIy Ao /
Rafael E.Granado,City Clerk •/~I
June 20,2025
SUBJECT:Recommendation for Local Ordinance to Enforce New State Limits on Vessel
Anchorage
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (L TC)is to inform that the Marine and Waterfront
Protection Authority (MWPA)Board unanimously approved the attached resolution on
June 10,2025,recommending that the City of Miami Beach adopt a local ordinance limiting
vessel anchorage in City waters to the full extent allowed under newly enacted Florida law.
Members Present:Ben Mostkoff (Chair),John Gardiner (Vice-Chair),Elaine Roden,Julio
Magrisso,Amy Litos,Mike Gibaldi,Jose Frias,Chad Braver,and Tim Carr.
Motion:On May 19,2025,Governor Ron Desantis approved HB 481,authorizing
counties with populations over 1.5 million-such as Miami-Dade County-to limit overnight
anchoring of vessels to no more than 30 days within a 6-month period in its waterways.
The City of Miami Beach has experienced persistent problems caused by long-term
anchoring of vessels,including derelict boats,abandoned vessels,and liveaboard boats.
These vessels have contributed to environmental degradation,obstructed waterways,and
created safety,security,and enforcement challenges.
Therefore,in light of the authority granted under the new State law,the MWPA strongly
recommends that the City Commission and City Manager adopt an ordinance to implement
the anchoring restrictions to the maximum extent authorized under HB 481,limiting
anchoring in City waters to no more than 30 days over a 6-month period.
This action will help protect Biscayne Bay and the surrounding waterways,improve
navigation and safety,and support enforcement efforts against marine pollution and
neglect.
251-2025
Resolution of the Marine &Waterfront Protection Authority
Whereas,the Miami Beach Marina is a prominent and heavily utilized waterfront facility
owned by the City of Miami Beach and leased to a third-party operator;
Whereas,the current lessee of the Miami Beach Marina is Suntex Marinas,which
assumed the lease under terms that currently extend through 2052;
Whereas,the Office of the Inspector General has identified violations by Suntex Marinas,
including failure to meet lease payment obligations;
Whereas,Miami Beach residents and City departments have reported ongoing issues
stemming from the marina,including noise,pollution,and regulatory violations;
Whereas,the City is currently engaged in negotiations with Suntex Marinas to clarify and
amend the existing lease agreement,including a possible extension of its term;
Whereas,the Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority (MWPA)is duly authorized to
provide guidance,oversight,and policy recommendations on matters affecting the City's
waterfront and marine environment;
Be it resolved,that the MWPA respectfully requests that the City Commission and City
Manager provide the MWPA with a complete copy of the current lease agreement with
Suntex Marinas for the Miami Beach Marina;
Be it further resolved,that the MWPA requests that the City Commission and City Manager
provide regular updates to the MWPA regarding lease violations,compliance efforts,and
the status of current lease amendment negotiations with Suntex Marinas;
Be it further resolved,that the MWPA requests that the City Commission and City Manager
allow representatives of the MWPA,or a designated subcommittee thereof,to participate
in the negotiation process relating to any amendment of the lease;
Be it further resolved,that the MWPA requests that the City Commission and City Manager
consult the MWPA on future oversight structures and management strategies related to
the Miami Beach Marina and adjacent waterfront areas.