Miami-Dade County vessel using a mooring buoy. There are 65 mooring buoys located in Miami-Dade County. 23 are located in Biscayne National Park.
Broward County vessel approaches a mooring buoy. There are 122 mooring buoys located in Broward County. Visit the link to the right to view Broward County's website for information on how to properly use a mooring buoy.
Coral Reef Protection Act
In recognition of Florida’s unique coral reef systems and their importance to the economy, the Florida Legislature enacted Section 403.93345, Florida Statute [JS1] entitled the Florida Coral Reef Protection Act (CRPA), effective July 1, 2009. The CRPA was created to increase protection of coral reef resources on sovereign submerged lands off the coasts of Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties.
Under this law, FDEP may assess civil penalties for anchoring a vessel on a coral reef or any other damage to a coral reef totaling: a) less than or equal to 1 square meter (m²), $150; b) more than 1 m², but less than or equal to 10 m², $300 per m²; and c) more than 10 m², $1000 per m².
Coral Reef Protection Act Brochure
Coral Reef Protection Act
Coral Reef Protection Act Fact Sheet
Coral Reef Protection Act Questions & Answers
Mooring Buoys
An easy way to avoid anchoring on and potentially damaging a coral reef is to use mooring buoys. Mooring buoys are located in Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin counties near popular dive sites. They provide a convenient and safe way to secure your boat adjacent to a coral reef. For more information on how to properly use a mooring buoy and find locations near you, visit the websites below:
Interested in viewing the location of south Florida’s reefs while on the water?
Click the picture below for instructions on how to use the Coral Reef Locator map.
