PORT ORANGE, Fla. – Port Orange City Council is set to consider new rules Wednesday aimed at giving the city more authority to deal with abandoned and derelict boats in its waterways.
The proposed ordinance would update the city’s regulations governing anchoring, mooring and the removal of vessels and bring them in line with changes to Florida law.
The ordinance, which is scheduled for a second reading, would establish a more structured process for notifying vessel owners and potentially impounding and removing boats that are considered derelict or pose a threat to public safety.
Boaters say some vessels have been sitting for years
For people who live and work around Port Orange’s waterways, the issue is more than just the appearance of abandoned boats.
Boater John Arsi says some vessels have been sitting in the water for years without operating.
“They’re free most of the time and don’t run. And just sit there.”
Arsi also pointed out vessels that have been sitting in extremely shallow water and said some boat owners use makeshift ways to get to their boats.
City says ordinance gives law enforcement more tools
The proposed changes come as Florida has strengthened its laws governing derelict vessels, vessel ownership and anchoring and mooring.
Port Orange Assistant City Attorney Jared Trent told the City Council during the ordinance’s first reading that the changes are designed to give the city and law enforcement a more enforceable process while protecting the rights of vessel owners.
The ordinance addresses regulation of city docks, enforcement involving derelict vessels and a hearing process intended to provide due process.
Port Orange officials say derelict vessels can create hazards and that the revised ordinance modernizes the city’s existing rules to reflect changes in state law.
Environmental concerns
Derelict boats can also create environmental problems if they leak fuel, oil or other pollutants into the waterways.
Mike Hutton, manager of Seven Seas Marina, said keeping the waterways clean is important to the boating community.
“I would love to clean up our rivers. And they possibly leaking fuel on the environment? Sure. And this being our backyard, we got to keep it clean.”
Hutton said he is willing to work with the city and towing companies to help remove problem vessels.
“I’ll work with the city. I’ll work with the towing companies in order to clean up these rivers. This is our backyard.”
Removing derelict boats can be expensive
The cost of removing derelict vessels is another concern.
The state estimates the average cost of removing a derelict vessel from Florida waters at about $750 per foot. With an average derelict vessel measuring about 32 feet, a typical removal can cost roughly $24,000.
Statewide, the cost of derelict-vessel removal has increased dramatically in recent years, rising from about $2 million in 2020 to nearly $13 million in 2024.
Port Orange city officials have also been monitoring potential state grants and legislative funding that could help pay for vessel removals.
What happens next
The Port Orange City Council is scheduled to consider the ordinance on second reading Wednesday.
If approved, the new rules would replace the city’s existing regulations governing anchoring, mooring and vessel removal and provide a more clearly defined enforcement and impoundment process.
The city’s stated goal is to address abandoned and derelict vessels while balancing public safety, environmental concerns and the due-process rights of boat owners.