Florida & Texas Gulf Waters Extend 9-Nautical Miles
It is illegal to discharge sewage within state waters, unless treated through a US Coast Guard approved type I or II Marine Sanitation Device.
Most boaters are familiar with the 3-nautical mile limit. That’s the typical boundary that delineates state waters from federal waters. However, on the Gulf coast of Florida and Texas, state waters extend 9-nautical miles from shore. As a boater, it’s important to stay mindful of where you are and the specific regulations that apply.
By staying informed, you can help protect our waters and ensure that boating remains a fun and safe activity for everyone.
Florida Sea Grant, in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, develops tools and resources that empower the boating community to properly dispose of waste and keep our water clean.
Stay Safe. Stay Legal.
If you’re traveling within the Gulf waters of Florida and Texas, know the facts.
Three (3) nautical miles from the coast in the Atlantic (for Florida) and nine (9) nautical miles from the coast in the Gulf of America (for Florida and Texas).
This determination has been affirmed by the Submerged Lands Act which congress adopted in 1953. It is also stated in the Constitution of the State of Florida.
A type III Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) is typically a holding tank. However, a type III MSD means a device that is designed to prevent the overboard discharge of treated or untreated sewage or any waste derived from sewage (Federal law 33 CFR 159.3). Type III MSDs can also include other types of technology such as marine composting toilets, incinerators, and recirculation.
State waters! State waters typically extend 3 nautical miles from the coast. However, there are two exceptions to that, in Texas and Florida’s Gulf coast, state waters extend 9 nautical miles from the coast.
If you have a type III Marine Sanitation Device (holding tank), close the Y-valve or discharge valve and secure it with a non-releasable wire-tie or padlock, or remove the handle entirely.
If you have a type I or II Marine Sanitation Device without a holding tank, close the seacock and secure it with a non-releasable wire-tire or padlock, or remove the handle, or lock the door to the head with a padlock or door handle key lock.
Download the free Pumpout Nav app, available on iOS and Android.
The app shows the exact location of the pumpout, its hours, cost, and if it’s working or broken. Boaters can also report a problem with a broken pumpout or report that a pumpout is working, directly through the app, updating its status for fellow boaters and helping marina staff maintain functional pumpout equipment.
Search for your Marine Sanitation Device brand on the US Coast Guard Maritime Information Exchange website.
Type III devices that store sewage and flushwater at ambient air pressure and temperature are not subject to formal certification by the U.S. Coast Guard, as long as the device complies with the following requirement: “Be designed to prevent the overboard discharge of treated or untreated sewage or any waste derived from sewage (Type III).” 33 CFR 159.53
Spread the Word
Based on a Needs Assessment survey, less than 10% of boaters know about the 9-nautical mile limit on the Gulf coast of Florida. Help us spread the word using the following resources:
+ Flyers and Stickers: to post around your marina or on your website. To request printed copies, contact Vicki Gambale with your mailing address and requested item(s) and quantity.
+ Use our Blog as a newsletter article
