(1) As used in this section, the term “long-term anchoring” means anchoring a vessel within 1 linear nautical mile of a documented anchorage point for 14 days or more within a 30-day period.
(2) The commission shall, at no cost to the applicant, issue a permit for the long-term anchoring of a vessel within the waters of this state upon receiving an application that includes, but is not limited to, all of the following information:(a) For the vessel owner or operator:1. Name.
2. Mailing address.
3. Telephone number.
4. E-mail address.
5. Birthdate.
6. Driver license number, if applicable.
(b) For the vessel:1. Make.
2. Model.
3. Year.
4. Style.
5. Hull identification number.
6. Registration number or United States Coast Guard documentation, if applicable.
7. Vessel name, if applicable.
(c) Location where the vessel will be anchored.
(d) Notice that the long-term anchoring permit may be revoked if the vessel is a derelict vessel as defined in s. 823.11, or is at risk of becoming derelict as provided in s. 327.4107, or is in violation of marine sanitation provisions in s. 327.53. (3) The long-term anchoring permit established under this section is specific to one vessel only. However, a person may obtain more than one permit. A permit must be renewed or updated for each long-term anchoring location. Long-term anchoring permits expire 1 year from the date of issuance and may be revoked if the permitted vessel is a derelict vessel as defined in s. 823.11, is at risk of becoming derelict, or is operated or occupied on waters of this state in violation of s. 327.53. (4) A person who engages in long-term anchoring of a vessel within the waters of this state without a valid long-term anchoring permit commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable as provided in s. 327.73. (5)(a) A county or municipality may authorize by ordinance a code enforcement officer as defined in s. 162.21(1) to administer this section relating to the enforcement of long-term anchoring permit requirements within its jurisdiction. However, such ordinance may not take effect until it has been reviewed and approved by the commission. The commission shall adopt rules to implement this subsection. (b) Code enforcement officers authorized under this subsection may issue a noncriminal infraction, punishable as provided in s. 327.73, pursuant to the uniform boating citation system under s. 327.74 for violations specified in subsection (4). Such citations are exempt from the requirements of s. 162.21(3)(c) and (d). (6) This section does not apply to any of the following:(a) Vessels owned or operated by a governmental entity for law enforcement, firefighting, military, or rescue purposes.
(b) Construction or dredging vessels on an active job site.
(c) Vessels actively engaged in commercial fishing.
(d) Vessels engaged in recreational fishing if the persons onboard are actively tending hook and line fishing gear or nets.
(7) A permit under this section is not required if a vessel is docked at a public or private dock or moored to a mooring buoy permitted as provided in s. 327.40. (8) In implementing this section, the commission must use an electronic application and permitting system.
(9) The provisions of this section do not supersede any other anchoring limitations established pursuant to law.
(10) The commission may adopt rules to implement this section.
