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Riviera Beach council passes first reading of ordinance to curb derelict boats and overnight anchoring
Summary
On first reading the City Council approved Ordinance 4317 to limit overnight anchoring and strengthen enforcement against derelict vessels, after residents described pollution and safety risks from houseboats and sunken vessels in the Intracoastal.
The Riviera Beach City Council unanimously passed on first reading Ordinance 4317 on Tuesday, authorizing new limits on overnight anchoring and expanding enforcement tools for derelict or improperly moored vessels.
Vice Chair Dr. Spiridis, who led the ordinance presentation, said the new code would cap mooring time and give police authority to remove or tow boats that pose public-safety or environmental risks. “Two of them sank last night,” he said, describing boats that had drifted and become navigation hazards. He also cited plans to use an underwater drone to assess seagrass damage and a new police boat to enforce the law.
Two residents urged swift enforcement. Scott Lewis said derelict boats are contaminating Riviera Beach waters and described “human turds floating under the docks” near Safe Harbor, calling the situation an environmental and public-health problem. Julie Botel urged the council to coordinate with Palm Beach County and neighboring municipalities so enforcement does not simply shift derelict boats across jurisdictional lines.
The ordinance will return for a second reading; councilmembers asked staff to provide a boundary map showing the coastal waters subject to enforcement before that vote. The measure’s sponsors said it is modeled on similar rules in nearby towns and aimed at reducing pollution, protecting seagrass beds and improving safety during storms.
Councilmember Dr. Spiridis said the new rules respond to repeated complaints and to recent incidents in which large boats sank or broke free during storms, creating hazards for residents and boaters. He told the council that adopting the ordinance would give the city “teeth” to require proper mooring and to remove vessels that pose risks.
The ordinance text includes exemptions, penalties, and procedures for towing and disposal. Officials said a companion resolution to acquire enforcement technology and to coordinate with county partners will appear on a future agenda. The second reading will include a staff presentation of jurisdictional maps and enforcement protocols.
If the ordinance is adopted at second reading, the city plans a phased enforcement rollout with outreach to marinas and stakeholders and a public information period to explain the new restrictions and fines.
