327.46  Restricted areas.--

(1)  The commission has the authority to establish by rule, pursuant to chapter 120, restricted areas on the waters of the state for any purpose deemed necessary for the safety of the public, including, but not limited to, vessel speeds and vessel traffic, where such restrictions are deemed necessary based on boating accidents, visibility, hazardous currents or water levels, vessel traffic congestion, or other navigational hazards. Each such restricted area shall be developed in consultation and coordination with the governing body of the county or municipality in which the restricted area is located and, where required, with the United States Coast Guard and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

(2)  It is unlawful for any person to operate a vessel in a prohibited manner or to carry on any prohibited activity, as defined in this chapter, deemed a safety hazard or interference with navigation as provided above within a restricted water area which has been clearly marked by regulatory markers as authorized under this chapter.

(3)  This section shall not apply in the case of an emergency or to a law enforcement, firefighting, or rescue vessel owned or operated by a governmental entity.

History.--s. 7, ch. 63-105; s. 1, ch. 65-361; ss. 25, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 23, ch. 78-95; s. 7, ch. 81-100; s. 27, ch. 99-245; s. 16, ch. 2000-362.