Citizen Portal
Sign In

Panel advances bill to clarify local authority, markers for boating-restricted areas

Florida House Resources and Disaster Subcommittee · February 12, 2026

Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts

Subscribe
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

HB 1173, presented by Vice Chair Mooney on behalf of Leader Saroy, clarifies municipal and county authority to create boating-restricted areas, requires clear boundary markers and removes a previous requirement for FWC Commission approval; the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and reported the bill 16-0.

Vice Chair Mooney presented HB 1173 (for Leader Saroy), saying the bill revises local authority to establish ordinances for boating restricted areas, requires the boundaries to be clearly marked, and removes a requirement that such ordinances be reviewed and approved by the FWC Commission. "This is like a safety bill...It really revolves around safety for boaters, and also, shoreline erosion and stuff," Mooney said during closing remarks.

Committee members raised technical and process questions. Representative Skidmore asked whether FWC approval still applies and cautioned that the bill needs more work; Mooney and others said the leader will continue to refine the measure. A strike-all amendment by the leader was adopted by voice vote. There was no public testimony recorded in opposition. The committee recorded a roll-call vote of 16-0 to report HB 1173 favorably.

The transcript does not record the precise rule or marker specifications adopted in the amendment; sponsors said further work is expected before subsequent stops.