Florida Administrative Code
68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
68D - Vessel Registration and Boating Safety
Chapter 68D-23 - UNIFORM WATERWAY MARKERS IN FLORIDA WATERS
Section 68D-23.101 - Intent

Universal Citation: FL Admin Code R 68D-23.101

Current through Reg. 50, No. 187; September 24, 2024

(1) This chapter is consistent with and conforms to 33 C.F.R. part 62 - The navigable waters of the United States and non-navigable State waters (which together include all waters of this state), are marked to assist navigation using the United States Aids to Navigation System, a system consistent with the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Maritime Buoyage System. The IALA Maritime Buoyage System is followed by most of the world's maritime nations and will improve maritime safety by encouraging conformity with buoyage systems used worldwide.

(2) It is the intent of this chapter:

(a) To provide for uniformity in design, construction and coloring of markers so that all vessel operators may readily recognize, identify and distinguish between authorized markers and unlawfully placed markers;

(b) To provide a means by which the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its officers and all other law enforcement officers charged with the enforcement of this chapter may determine with reasonable certainty which boating restricted areas are lawfully established and marked;

(c) To insure that regulatory markers noticing boating restricted areas created pursuant to Sections 327.46 and 379.2431, F.S., are authorized only for the purposes of protecting human life and limb, vessel traffic safety and maritime property, and manatees.

(3) It is further the intent of this chapter that no boating restricted area be established, continued in effect, or enforced for the purpose of noise abatement or for the protection of shoreline, shore-based structures, or upland property from vessel wake or shoreline wash. As provided in Section 327.33(2), F.S., "vessel wake and shoreline wash resulting from the reasonable and prudent operation of a vessel shall, absent negligence, not constitute damage or endangerment to property." The wake resulting from the reasonable and prudent operation of a vessel is a force which should be anticipated by the owners of property adjacent to the navigable waters of this state.

(4) The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will not issue any permit authorizing the placement of regulatory markers implementing municipal or county ordinances that:

(a) Are in violation of Section 327.60, F.S.;

(b) Establish boating-restricted areas pursuant to Section 327.46(1)(c), F.S., until such ordinances have been reviewed and approved by the Boating and Waterways Section in accordance with Chapter 68D-21, F.A.C.;

(c) Regulate vessel speed or operation for manatee protection purposes pursuant to Section 379.2431(2)(p), F.S., until such ordinances have been reviewed and approved by the commission, coordinated through the Imperiled Species Management Section, and provided that such ordinances do not apply within the marked navigation channel of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway nor to the waters within 100 feet of said channel;

(5) Where conflicting speed or operational restrictions are established by law or pursuant to law, the more restrictive shall be posted and shall apply.

(6) Regulatory markers placed and maintained pursuant to a permit issued as provided herein shall be prima facie evidence of the boundaries of boating-restricted areas and the speed or operational restrictions imposed therein.

Rulemaking Authority 327.04, 327.40, 327.41 FS. Law Implemented 327.40, 327.41, 379.2431 FS.

New 12-23-01, Amended 10-5-06, 10-6-10.

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