If you’ve spent any time on our beautiful waterways lately, you’ve probably noticed the growing problem of abandoned and deteriorating boats cluttering our bays and channels. Well, there’s finally some good news on this front.

A new state law that just went into effect is giving local authorities much stronger tools to deal with the derelict vessel crisis that’s been plaguing Southwest Florida – and our Venice area has definitely seen its share of these floating eyesores.

What’s Been Happening in Our Backyard

Those of us who live and boat around Venice know firsthand how bad this problem has gotten. Abandoned boats don’t just look terrible – they’re actually damaging our precious seagrass beds, creating navigation hazards, and threatening the marine life that makes our waters so special. Some of these vessels are literally sinking, leaking fuel, or have been stripped of essential equipment.

The good news? Our city has already been proactive about this issue. Back in March, Venice officials created an anchorage limitation area in Roberts Bay, working hand-in-hand with Sarasota County to keep boats from overstaying their welcome. Now the state law is backing up these local efforts with some serious teeth.

What’s New Under the Law

The new legislation, Senate Bill 164, makes it crystal clear who owns what vessel and gives law enforcement much better tools to act quickly. Here are the key changes that will impact our community:

Immediate Action on Problem Boats: If a law enforcement officer suspects a vessel can’t actually move under its own power, they can now require the owner to prove it works – either on the spot or within 48 hours.

Three Strikes and You’re Out: If a boat owner racks up three citations for at-risk conditions within two years, their vessel can be declared a public nuisance and removed just like a derelict boat.

No More Living on Junk Boats: It’s now a serious crime to live aboard a vessel that’s been officially declared derelict. This addresses a problem we’ve seen where people essentially turn broken-down boats into floating homeless camps.

Stiffer Penalties: The consequences get progressively harsher for repeat offenders, with fines ranging from $100 to $500 and potential felony charges for the worst cases.

What This Means for Venice

Captain Travis Franklin from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Derelict Vessel program says this law will help them be more proactive instead of just reactive. Rather than waiting for boats to completely fall apart, they can now step in when vessels are merely “at-risk” and help owners either fix their boats or dispose of them properly.

The state has already removed nearly 200 vessels through their Vessel Turn-In Program, and they’re actively working with boat owners who want to do the right thing before their vessels become a problem.

How You Can Help

If you’re a boat owner struggling with maintenance or facing the possibility of abandoning your vessel, there’s help available. The FWC’s Vessel Turn-In Program offers assistance to responsible owners who want to properly dispose of their boats before they become derelict. You can reach their specialists at 850-488-5600 or visit MyFWC.com/boating.

For the rest of us, keep reporting abandoned or deteriorating vessels to local authorities. Our waterways are too precious to let a few irresponsible boat owners spoil them for everyone else.

This new law, combined with Venice’s proactive approach to managing our anchorage areas, should help ensure that Roberts Bay and our other local waters remain the beautiful, navigable spaces we all love. It’s about time we had the legal tools to match the scale of this problem.