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FWC Derelict Vessel Guidelines Explained: What Florida Boat Owners Need to Know

What actually makes a boat "derelict" in Florida, how to report one, and what your options are if there's a derelict vessel on your property.

By Kenneth Farmer • 7 min read • AAA Boat Salvage
Abandoned vessel on private property in Florida

A derelict vessel left on private property in Florida.

A quick note before we get into it: AAA Boat Salvage Inc. is an independently owned and operated marine services company. We are not part of, affiliated with, or endorsed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Everything below is general and educational — for official guidance, always refer to FWC directly at myfwc.com.

If you've got a wrecked, abandoned, or falling-apart boat on your property, at your marina, or sitting in a canal near your dock, you've probably run into the term "derelict vessel" — usually attached to a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) notice, a neighbor's complaint, or just your own gut sense that the thing needs to go. Here's what that term actually means, and what your options are.

What Makes a Vessel "Derelict" in Florida?

In plain language, FWC generally treats a boat as derelict when it falls into one of a few categories:

Wrecked

Sunken or sinking, aground without the ability to free itself, or left over after an accident, storm, or fire.

Junked

Stripped of major components, significantly degraded, or effectively discarded by its owner.

Substantially Dismantled

Missing or non-functional in at least two of three areas: steering, propulsion, or hull integrity.

In an Unauthorized Location

Docked, grounded, or beached on someone else's property, or at a port, without the owner's consent.

That's a simplified summary, not legal advice — and not a substitute for FWC's own definitions, which go into more technical detail. If you want the full, current wording, FWC's Derelict and At-Risk Vessels page is the source to check.

How to Report a Derelict Vessel to FWC

If the boat is on public waters and you want it on FWC's radar, reporting it is a separate process from hiring a removal company — FWC investigates, and depending on the situation, may pursue enforcement or removal through its own channels. Here's where to start:

FWC Wildlife Alert — official violation reporting tool Report a Violation →
FWC Regional Offices — direct contact by region Find Your Office →
FWC Derelict & At-Risk Vessels — definitions, guidance, and an interactive map View Page →

Have a Derelict Boat You Need Gone?

If it's on your property, you may not need to go through FWC at all — we can often remove it directly.

📞 Call 888-702-5785

Where AAA Boat Salvage Fits In

We're not FWC, and we don't file reports, permits, or liens on anyone's behalf. What we do is handle the physical side of getting a derelict vessel gone — in a few different situations:

  • Removal from private property. If a derelict boat was left on your land, dock, or canal without your consent, we can remove it directly. In a lot of cases, you may not need FWC involved at all.
  • Preemptive removal. Dealing with a wrecked or deteriorating boat before it draws attention is usually easier than waiting for it to become a bigger issue.
  • Removal after the legal process. If a vessel has already gone through a formal derelict-vessel or lien process, we can handle the physical removal once you're cleared to proceed.
  • Sunken and wrecked vessel recovery. Covers the "wrecked" category above — boats that have sunk, run aground, or been damaged in a storm.
  • Junk boat disposal. Removal and proper disposal of stripped or substantially dismantled hulls.
  • Documentation. Photos and notes on a vessel's condition and location, on request, for your own records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AAA Boat Salvage part of or affiliated with FWC?

No. We're an independently owned and operated private marine services company, with no affiliation, endorsement, or official role within FWC or any government agency.

Can removing my boat help me avoid a citation or notice?

Dealing with a deteriorating or abandoned vessel proactively is generally a good idea, but we can't advise on your specific legal exposure — that's a question for FWC or an attorney. What we can do is handle the physical removal.

Do you handle FWC paperwork, permits, or liens?

No. We're not attorneys and don't file reports, permits, or liens on a client's behalf. We'd recommend working with FWC directly or your legal counsel on that side, and we'll take care of the removal itself.

What if a vessel on my property has already been flagged by FWC?

We can still help with removal — just let us know the situation when you reach out so we understand what's already in progress.

Derelict Vessel FWC Florida Law Abandoned Boat
Kenneth Farmer, Owner and Operator of AAA Boat Salvage Inc.
Kenneth Farmer
Owner & Operator — AAA Boat Salvage Inc.

Kenneth is a Florida native with a family marine legacy dating back to 1847 and a lifetime of hands-on experience on the state's waterways. Read his full story →

Have a Derelict or Abandoned Vessel to Remove?

Tell us about the boat, its condition, and its location. We'll review the details and discuss the next steps with you directly.

Call 888-702-5785 Get a Free Quote

Email farmer@aaaboatsalvage.com