RELATING TO BOATS AND WATERWAYS

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

The document is a legislative item for an ordinance relating to boats and waterways in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The ordinance creates Section 7-40.1 of the Code of Miami-Dade County, 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 The ordinance was introduced on 5/14/2026, adopted on first reading on 6/2/2026, and withdrawn on 7/14/2026. The substitute is Legislative File No. 261278. The prime sponsor is Vicki L. Lopez, with co-sponsor Sen. Rene Garcia. The ordinance applies to the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade County, including Biscayne Bay. The restriction 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 effective date is ten days after enactment unless vetoed. 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.