FWC Approves Sarasota's Proposed Anchoring Ordinance

On June 28 the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved Sarasota's proposed mooring field/anchoring ordinance as part of the FWC anchoring and mooring pilot program. 

“The goal of the anchoring and mooring pilot program is to explore potential options for regulating the anchoring or mooring of non-live-aboard vessels outside the boundaries of public mooring fields,” said Maj. Jack Daugherty, leader of the FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section, in a news release. “The FWC’s role is to provide consultation and technical assistance on the issues.”

prohibits anchoring and mooring of vessels outside of mooring fields for more than 90 consecutive days. Vessels also must be at least 150 feet from the mooring field or any waterfront property.

“The city of provides time and distance restrictions on anchoring and mooring outside of the mooring field currently being constructed,” Daugherty said in the release. “By addressing these local issues, the goal is to improve navigational safety, protect marine infrastructure, promote public access and deter improperly stored, abandoned or derelict vessels.”

It will also be illegal to anchor, moor or tie-off a vessel to city property except when loading and unloading; dinghies will also be allowed to anchor, moor or tie-off for periods of 12 hours or less. The ordinance specifies enforcement duties, which will be undertaken by local law enforcement and the FWC, and penalties for violating the regulations.

“There is an exception to the time and distance restrictions for mechanical and weather issues. Also, the rules can be suspended due to a lack of space in the mooring fields, and during special events,” Daugherty said in the news release.

Commissioners discussed the ordinance, asked questions and , ultimately approving it with the contingency suggested by staff that it not go into effect until the first phase of the mooring field’s construction is completed. This will include 35 moorings available for use by the public.

During the city commission's May 7 meeting, the commissioners also included language allowing special rules to be created for live-aboard vessels as well. No one spoke during that public hearing.

With this approval, the city can adopt the ordinance to make it effective. All ordinances adopted under the pilot program expire on July 1, 2014, unless re-enacted by the Florida Legislature.

Public meetings have also been held in the other four participant sites: Monroe County, in coordination with the cities of Marathon and Key West; Stuart, in coordination with Martin County; St. Petersburg; and St. Augustine. The ordinances for St. Augustine and , and the developing ordinances from the remaining areas will be presented at future Commission meetings.

Local governments for the five communities participating in the pilot program are responsible for soliciting public input and adopting local ordinances within their jurisdictions.

Mooring Field Coverage: