You've got an abandoned boat on your property, dock, canal, or marina. Maybe it's been there for months. Maybe a storm left it. Whatever the situation — you need it gone, and you need to do it legally.
Here's the thing most people don't know: you cannot simply move or dispose of an abandoned boat in Florida without following specific legal steps. Getting it wrong can expose you to liability and fines worse than the boat itself.
What Is a Derelict Vessel Under Florida Law?
Under Florida Statute § 823.11, a "derelict vessel" is any vessel left in a wrecked, junked, or substantially dismantled condition upon public waters of Florida — or on private property without owner consent. A vessel can be considered derelict if it's abandoned without notification, substantially sunk or capsized, a navigation hazard, or in disrepair making it unseaworthy.
Important: A vessel doesn't have to be fully sunken to be classified as derelict. An unmaintained non-functional boat on your dock can qualify — and so can its associated liability.
Who Is Responsible for Removal?
In most cases, the registered owner of the vessel is responsible. If the owner cannot be identified or located, responsibility can fall to the property owner (if on private property), the marina operator (if in a marina slip), or the State of Florida (for vessels on public waterways).
Property owners and marina operators have the right to take action — but only through proper legal channels. Simply moving or destroying the vessel without following the process can expose you to liability from the vessel's owner.
The Official FWC Derelict Vessel Process
Document and Report to FWC
Report at myfwc.com or call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC. Provide the vessel's location, description, and any identifying information.
FWC Assessment
FWC inspects the vessel and attempts to locate the registered owner through the Florida DHSMV vessel registration database.
Owner Notification
If an owner is identified, FWC issues a Notice of Violation with a period — typically 30–60 days — to remove the vessel.
Formal Derelict Determination
If the owner fails to comply, FWC formally declares the vessel derelict and authorizes removal. A professional removal company can then be contracted.
Removal and Documentation
The vessel is removed and disposed of per Florida environmental regulations. Documentation confirming legal disposal is provided.
Fines and Penalties
- Vessel owner: Up to $50,000 civil penalty for knowingly abandoning a derelict vessel
- Criminal charge: First-degree misdemeanor — up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine
- Cost recovery: The state can recover all removal and disposal costs from the registered owner
- Registration suspension: Florida can suspend vessel registration privileges
Special Rules for Marina Operators
After proper notice to the vessel owner, you may have the vessel removed at the owner's expense following abandonment in your slip. You must follow the lien procedures in Florida Statutes Chapter 328. Coordinating with FWC throughout protects you from liability.
Our Recommendation for Marina Operators: Contact us early in the process. We work regularly with marinas throughout Florida and can advise on documentation and notification procedures.
Why Hire a Professional Removal Company
Even after you have legal authority to remove a vessel, the physical removal requires professional expertise — proper equipment to avoid damaging seawalls, environmental compliance, disposal documentation that protects you from future claims, and permit handling.
How AAA Boat Salvage Handles It
- We gather details about the vessel and situation over the phone
- We assess FWC notification status and advise if needed
- We provide a free written quote for removal
- We handle any remaining permits
- We schedule removal — often same-day or next-day for urgent situations
- We provide full documentation confirming legal disposal
Abandoned Boat on Your Property?
We handle all documentation, permitting, and removal — legally and professionally.
