RELATING TO BOATS AND WATERWAYS

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

This is a legislative matter, File Number 261278, an ordinance relating to boats and waterways in the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade County. It creates Section 7-40.1 of the Code of Miami-Dade County, Florida, adopting overnight anchoring regulations, providing exemptions, and providing for enforcement by civil penalty and other remedies. It also amends Section 8CC-10 of the Code to update the schedule of civil penalties. The ordinance was introduced on 7/9/2026, and the agenda date is 10/20/2026. The Recreation, Tourism, and Resiliency Committee forwarded it to the BCC with a favorable recommendation following a public hearing on 7/14/2026. The Prime Sponsor is Vicki L. Lopez. The ordinance makes it unlawful for any vessel to be anchored for a period of 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 overnight within a marked mooring field or for permitted marine construction, installation, or maintenance work. Exemptions include vessels owned or operated by a governmental entity engaged in a governmental function, construction or dredging vessels on an active job site, and commercial fishing vessels actively engaged in commercial fishing. Civil penalties are set at $500.00 for a first offense, $1,000.00 for a second offense within five years, and $2,500.00 for a third or subsequent offense within five years. The ordinance applies to both incorporated and unincorporated areas. A courtesy warning notice is required prior to issuance of a penalty. The ordinance is adopted under section 327.60(2)(f)3., Florida Statutes, and municipalities may establish and enforce their own stricter anchoring regulations. The ordinance becomes effective ten (10) days after the date of enactment unless vetoed by the County Mayor. No specific street address, parcel, acreage, or project size is stated. No public comment sentiment is stated in the document.