SOBA Public Library

Derelict vessels are currently one of the most complicated and prominent issues on Florida waters. Since derelict vessels pose significant threats to boating safety, boating access, marine species, the environment generally, and navigability, having a plan to address derelict vessels is critical for the State. Over the last five years, the State has built a program for dealing with derelict vessels that implements criminal and civil liability for the person responsible and provides appropriate notice to these individuals and others who may have an interest in the vessel, ensuring their constitutional rights to due process are not violated. For the last two years, the State has begun implementing prevention strategies – seeking to address the issue before these vessels reach a derelict state.

This presentation will cover what constitutes a derelict vessel in Florida, the ways in which Florida removes derelict vessels from the waters of the State, the penalties faced by the responsible parties, the funding sources for dealing with derelict vessels, and recent prevention programs.

Speaker:
Brandy Elliot, Assistant General Counsel, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Law Enforcement