Committee OKs statewide rules for public mooring fields to ease crowded waterways

Representative Kassel Seidman, sponsor of PCS for HB 669, told the Resources and Disaster Subcommittee the bill would standardize permitting and jurisdiction for public mooring fields across Florida to address crowded waterways and environmental damage. "With over 1,200 people moving to Florida every day and sales of vessels, boats, up 300% since COVID," Seidman said, arguing that a statewide approach is needed to manage use and protect seafloor habitat.

The bill requires moored vessels to have insurance and local oversight by the affected city or county, and aims to prevent excessive crowding and anchor practices that "tear up the seafloor," particularly in muck-covered areas, Seidman said. Members discussed local incidents motivating the measure, including storm-driven collisions of moored boats into docks at Lantana and concentrations of long-term mooring in Lake Boca and West Palm Beach. Representative Skidmore urged the sponsor to work with boating industry groups to address implementation concerns and to improve the measure where possible.

An amendment to add a line omitted from the original filing was offered by Representative Kaufstein and adopted by voice vote. Matthew Forest of the Town of Palm Beach waved in support during public testimony. Seidman cited review or support from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Surfrider and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in her district. The committee adopted the bill as amended on a 16-0 voice vote and reported it favorably to the next stage.

The committee record does not specify permit-detail mechanics or effective dates beyond the statutory changes discussed; sponsors said additional rulemaking and local coordination would follow.