RELATING TO BOATS AND WATERWAYS

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

Miami-Dade County is considering an ordinance to regulate overnight anchoring of vessels in Biscayne Bay and other county waters. The proposed ordinance, File Number 261278, aims to address issues of public safety, navigation, and environmental impact caused by prolonged anchoring. It would create Section 7-40.1 of the Code of Miami-Dade County, establishing a restriction on anchoring for more than 30 days in any 6-month period between sunset and sunrise, with specific exemptions for governmental, construction/dredging, and commercial fishing vessels. Enforcement would be through civil penalties, with fines increasing for repeat offenses, and potential remedies including vessel removal. The ordinance also amends Section 8CC-10 to update the schedule of civil penalties. The Recreation, Tourism, and Resiliency Committee has forwarded the ordinance to the Board of County Commissioners with a favorable recommendation. The matter is scheduled for the Board of County Commissioners agenda on October 1, 2026. The ordinance is a substitute to File No. 260878 and is expected to take 4-6 weeks to process.