Broward County Moves Closer to Anchoring Rule

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is applauding a recently passed Broward County, Florida, ordinance that, according to the recreational boating advocacy, services, and safety group, could lead to a successful path ahead in balancing the needs of both local communities and responsible cruising-boat owner’s rights when it comes to anchoring. 

The ordinance revolves around North and South lakes, two small manmade lakes in Hollywood, Florida, that are connected to the Intracoastal Waterway. Locals have long shared the waters – North Lake was designated an idle-only area, drawing sailors and paddlers, while South Lake was used for powered-vessel water activities. For years, responsible long-distance cruisers were welcome in both anchorages. 

A dramatic increase in abandoned derelict vessels (ADVs) over the past few years has changed that equation, however, crowding out all other activities with some vessel owners anchoring for months and even years. These vessels are often poorly maintained and their anchoring gear is prone to failure. Each storm only increases the number of safety hazards in the water and ashore. Many anchored boats don’t meet U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations on required nighttime lighting or sanitation equipment. Irresponsible boaters have simply been squeezing out locals and responsible cruisers alike. 

Approved last November, Broward County’s ordinance tackles the issue directly, allowing for up to 45-days of anchoring for any vessel within any six-month period. It also adds an exemption for imminent or existing hazardous weather to increase boater safety by not requiring crews to haul anchor and head out into potentially unsafe weather conditions. 

“We believe 45 days is a reasonable time frame for a vessel to remain in a particular area and will allow all active, responsible cruising and recreational boaters to use, anchor, rest, repair, visit, re-provision, and enjoy these bodies of water,” said BoatUS Government Affairs manager David Kennedy. 

Kennedy notes, however, that efforts to educate the public, including installation of local signage, updating of navigation aids as well as online cruising resources, and ultimately any enforcement activity could take some time before significant results are seen. “We’ll be monitoring the situation closely,” he said.