‘We’re out here trying to educate folks’: Florida enforces new mooring rules to protect waterways
By Angela Rozier
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RIVIERA BEACH, Florida (WPBF) — Florida’s new mooring rules are being enforced on the water as part of an effort to prevent neglected vessels from becoming hazards in South Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway.
On Thursday, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers teamed up with Riviera Beach police for Operation NUM — No Unauthorized Mooring — to warn boaters about unauthorized moorings, focusing on safety and environmental protection.
Unauthorized moored and anchored vessels in the Intracoastal Waterway in South Florida are a concern.
“These boats that are neglected and moored illegally tend to deteriorate, so we’re out here trying to educate folks that we need to have these vessels permitted properly and maintained so they don’t become at risk or derelict,” said Public Information Officer Tyson Matthews with FWC.
An educational campaign is underway to ensure the public is aware of the new rules.
“It is a non-criminal citation for having an illegal moored vessel, unless you have a permit from FWC, which is free. So, vessels that are moored in the intracoastal waterways, they cannot stay for greater than 14 days in that one spot in a 30-day period,” Matthews said.
Crews were out at Phil Foster Park Thursday morning, posting notices on moored vessels to inform owners of compliance requirements.
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Officials noted that neglected boats can cause environmental hazards, navigation dangers and property damage.
“If they’re illegally moored, they break apart and they can hit other boats, they can hit the seawall, they can hit the bridge. We had that actually happen about two years ago,” Riviera Beach police officer Cherise Phillips said.
Matthews highlighted the importance of preventing unattended boats from becoming at risk, as they can cause damage or become derelict.
“We have programs in place to have vessel owners turn their vessels over to us, which is called VTIP, Vessel Turn-In Program. It’s completely free, but there are certain stipulations to qualify for it. The vessel must be at risk,” Matthews said.
Officials reported tagging 180 vessels during the operation.
For more information, log on to MyFWC.com
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