Florida is stepping up efforts to clean its waterways with a new law targeting derelict vessels, as well as illegal anchoring.

Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed Senate Bill 164, which increases penalties for boaters who abandon or improperly anchor their vessels. The law, effective July 1, imposes fines starting at $100 and, in more severe cases, allows for second-degree felony charges — punishable by up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 in damages.

“It’s a widespread issue, especially in Florida, the boating capital,” said Melvin Dixon, marine safety manager for Hillsborough County. He noted that cleanup is often slow and costly.

“Just from last year’s storm, the FWC recovered around 480 derelict vessels,” Dixon said.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) classifies derelict vessels as those that are wrecked, junked, or largely dismantled while still in the water.

The law also includes grants for local governments that assist with the removal of derelict or at-risk boats through FWC’s vessel recovery programs — a move officials say will improve safety for boaters across the Tampa Bay region and beyond.

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