R5 I Anchoring LegislationA Major Victory for FL Waterways:
Anchoring Limitations Bill (HB 481)
Presented by Commissioner David Suarez Miami Beach, Florida
The Problem:
Derelict Boats Overrunning State Waterways
●Example: In 2023, over ~160 derelict or abandoned
vessels in Miami Beach (up from ~5 in 2007)
●Most are unseaworthy, lack working waste systems
●Sink in storms, spilling fuel and sewage
●Used for illegal rentals (e.g. Airbnbs), evading zoning,
taxes, and safety codes
●Create safety hazards, environmental destruction, and
unfair competition
Environmental Damage
●Derelict vessels:
○Dump sewage directly into the water
○Drag anchors across fragile seagrass beds
○Sink and leak oil, gas, and waste during storms
●Undermines millions in taxpayer-funded seagrass
restoration
●Threatens marine life, water quality and private property
Public Safety and Navigation Risks
●Sunken vessels block navigational routes
●Pose hazards for recreational and commercial boaters
●Complicate emergency operations
●Costly removals burden taxpayers
●Increased law enforcement and rescue interventions
Abuse of Public Waters
●Derelict boats exploited for illegal vacation rentals
●Floating “Airbnbs” with no oversight or sanitation
●Unsafe and disruptive to neighborhoods
●Evade taxes, zoning laws, and building codes
●Exploit public waterways for private gain
Sinking Boats and Gas Leaks
Seagrass Destruction
Navigational Hazards
AirBNB Rentals
The Legislative Solution —HB 481
Sponsored by:Rep. Vicki Lopez, Sen. Jonathan Martin
Signed by Governor DeSantis
Gives local governments real enforcement tools
Key Provisions of HB 481
30-Day Anchoring Limit
●Counties with >1.5M people + Monroe County
●Boats may not anchor in same County >30 days in 6 months
Public Mooring Protection
●Anchoring now restricted within 300 feet of mooring fields (up
from 100 ft)
Targeted Exceptions
●Marine construction, maintenance, and marked mooring
fields excluded
Why This Works
●Simple time-based rule = easier enforcement
●Avoids lengthy legal fights to prove a boat is “at-risk” or
derelict
●Aligns with no-camping rules —prevents floating
encampments
●Supports legitimate cruisers who move regularly and
respect laws
Balanced & Focused Approach
●Does not target responsible boaters
●Preserves water access for recreation and legal
liveaboards
○Marinas and mooring fields still options for legal
liveaboards
●Focuses on worst-hit counties:
○Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough,
Monroe
What This Means for Localities
Localities can enforce 30-day anchoring limits
immediately after the locality passes legislation
Will deter derelict boats and marine squatters
Protects marine life, private property, and public resources
Helps restore freedom of navigation and water safety
Encourages responsible, regulated use of state waterways
Thank You & Acknowledgments
Special thanks to:
●Rep. Vicki Lopez
●Sen. Jonathan Martin
●Speaker Danny Perez
●Sen. Pres. Ben Albritton
●Governor Ron DeSantis
Together, we’ve taken a meaningful step toward protecting our
state’s waterways for future generations.
Questions or Comments?
Commissioner David Suarez
Miami Beach City Commission
David@miamibeachfl.gov
https://www.miamibeachfl.gov