This page identifies some of the local regulatory restrictions on anchoring in Southwest Florida. It is not intended as a complete guide to all of the regulations on boating activities that a local government may impose. For those local ordinances that are identified, this page provides the text of those ordinances that were in effect on the date this page was posted. In addition, both the State of Florida and the federal government have regulatory jurisdiction over the waters in anchorages in Southwest Florida that may affect activities associated with anchoring. Boaters interested in learning more about the local restrictions that apply to their activities should get in touch with the local government attorney’s office in the jurisdiction of interest. The phone numbers of these offices are included below.

The Regional Harbor Board Memoranda
of Agreements with Local Governments
     The Southwest Florida Regional Harbor Board has been working with local governments in an effort to harmonize local restrictions on anchoring in Southwest Florida. Many local governments have agreed to cooperate with this effort and entered into Memoranda of Agreements ("MOA’s") with the Regional Harbor Board to participate in its pilot project. The full text each Local Government Memorandum of Agreement can be accessed from this page.
     Each MOA also includes a set of anchorage Best Management Practices, adopted by the Regional Harbor Board, known as THE REGIONAL UMBRELLA.

Southwest Florida Regional Harbor
Board Standards for Anchorage

The regional umbrella
   The pilot program applies the following guidelines to all anchoring and mooring:

1. All federal and state laws continue to apply to all vessels, including laws concerning overbroad discharge of petroleum products, waste, garbage and litter. Local laws regarding nuisance, noise, etc. would continue to apply to all persons, including those at anchor.
2. Vessels may not anchor in a manner that:

a. jeopardizes other vessels at anchor or underway;
b. might cause damage to other property or persons;
c. impedes access to docks, slips or public or private property.

3. Areas of seagrass, living coral or rock outcroppings as identified by Florida Sea Grant (FSG), or the Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) cannot be used for anchoring. Special care must be taken to avoid anchoring impacts in Aquatic Preserves.
4. Vessels must be capable of navigating under their own sail or power, or have ground tackle capable of holding the vessel until winds are fair or a tow or repairs can be arranged. A reasonable amount of time must be allowed for such situations.
5. In emergencies, the safety of the crew and the vessel will be of paramount importance until the emergency is past or the vessel has been moved to safety. Each mariner remains responsible for damages caused by his vessel or its wake.