Florida takes abandoned and derelict vessels seriously — and the financial penalties reflect that. Whether you're a boat owner who's left a vessel unattended, a marina operator with an abandoned slip, or a waterfront property owner stuck with someone else's boat problem, here's exactly what you could be facing.
The Florida Statute
Florida's derelict vessel laws are governed primarily by Florida Statute § 823.11 (Derelict Vessels) and Florida Statute § 376.15 (Removal of Abandoned Vessels), enforced by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and local county marine units.
Fines for Vessel Owners
- Civil penalty: Up to $50,000 per violation for knowingly abandoning a derelict vessel on public waters or private property without authorization
- Criminal charge: First-degree misdemeanor — up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine
- Cost recovery: The State of Florida can recover all costs of removal, storage, and disposal from the registered owner — potentially tens of thousands of dollars
- Registration suspension: Florida can suspend vessel registration privileges
Important: "I didn't know about it" is rarely an accepted defense. If you are the registered owner, you are responsible — regardless of whether abandonment was intentional.
Fines for Property Owners
If an abandoned vessel is on your private property and you fail to take action: county code enforcement can issue citations with escalating daily fines, the county can hire a contractor to remove the vessel and bill you, and environmental contamination from the vessel can result in FDEP cleanup orders and cost recovery against you as the property owner.
Fines for Marina Operators
Marina operators have specific obligations under Florida law. Failure to follow lien procedures (Florida Statutes Chapter 328) before removing a vessel can expose you to civil liability. Allowing derelict vessels to remain past legal deadlines results in county code violations. FWC can cite marinas for harboring derelict vessels.
State Cost Recovery — The Big One
When FWC or a county removes a vessel on your behalf, all costs are recoverable from the registered owner: assessment and investigation fees, professional removal and salvage costs, transportation and storage fees, environmental cleanup costs, and administrative fees. For a large vessel in a complex location, these costs can easily reach $10,000–$50,000 or more.
How to Avoid These Fines — The Simple Answer
Call us. If you have a vessel you no longer want, can no longer maintain, or that has been damaged beyond usefulness — professional disposal costs a fraction of what government-mandated removal will cost you. We provide free quotes, pick up from anywhere in Florida, handle all documentation, and give you proof of legal disposal that protects you from future claims.
Avoid Fines — Dispose Legally
Professional disposal is far cheaper than derelict vessel fines. Call us now.