RELATING TO BOATS AND WATERWAYS

Recreation, Tourism, and Resiliency Committee · 2026-07-14 · ordinance

Ordinance File Number 261278, a legislative matter introduced 7/9/2026, relating to boats and waterways in incorporated and unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade County. It creates Section 7-40.1 of the Code, adopting overnight anchoring regulations, providing exemptions, and providing for enforcement by civil penalty. It amends Section 8CC-10 to update the schedule of civil penalties. The ordinance makes it unlawful for any vessel to be anchored for 1 hour or more between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise for more than 30 days in any 6-month period, excluding time anchored within a marked mooring field or for permitted marine construction. Exemptions include vessels owned or operated by a governmental entity, construction or dredging vessels on an active job site, and commercial fishing vessels actively engaged in commercial fishing. Civil penalties are $500 for first offense, $1,000 for second offense within five years, and $2,500 for third or subsequent offense within five years. The ordinance becomes effective ten days after enactment unless vetoed. Prime sponsor is Vicki L. Lopez, co-sponsor Sen. Rene Garcia. It is a substitute to file number 260878. The Board of County Commissioners on 7/13/2026 notified municipalities of the substitute ordinance. The Recreation, Tourism, and Resiliency Committee is scheduled for 7/14/2026. The County Attorney assigned Christopher J. Wahl on 7/9/2026. The document states the population of Miami-Dade County was 2,838,461 as of July 1, 2024. The document does not state a specific street address, parcel, acreage, or number of units. The document does not state any public comment or stakeholder sentiment.