P.H. 2026-25: (PUBLIC HEARING 2ND READING) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF POMPANO BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 91, "BOATS AND WATER RECREATION," OF THE POMPANO BEACH CODE OF ORDINANCES BY CREATING SECTION 91.17, “POMPANO BEACH OVERNIGHT ANCHORING LIMITATION AREA,” TO ESTABLISH AN ANCHORING LIMITATION AREA WITHIN THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Fiscal Impact: N/A) FIRST READING: FEBRUARY 10, 2026

Summary

This ordinance, P.H. 2026-25, establishes a new "Pompano Beach Overnight Anchoring Limitation Area" within the city's code of ordinances. This new section, 91.17, aims to address issues arising from unmanaged long-term anchoring in specific waterways, including environmental damage to seagrass beds, the proliferation of abandoned or derelict vessels, and impediments to navigation and emergency access. The ordinance designates areas such as Lettuce Lake, Lake Santa Barbara, Lake Capri, and Hillsboro Inlet as zones where overnight anchoring is restricted. Specifically, no vessel can be anchored in these areas for more than 1 hour between sunset and sunrise for more than 30 days within any 6-month period. Exemptions are provided for vessels in marked mooring fields, those engaged in permitted marine construction, government-owned vessels, and commercial fishing vessels. Enforcement involves a warning notice procedure followed by potential fines of $250 per day for a first violation and $500 per day for subsequent violations, with the possibility of vessel removal, towing, and impoundment. The ordinance is based on recent amendments to Florida Statute 327.60(2)(f) which allows municipalities in counties over 1.5 million population to regulate overnight anchoring.

Citizen Impact

This ordinance will restrict overnight anchoring in specific Pompano Beach waterways like Lake Santa Barbara and Hillsboro Inlet, potentially impacting boaters who use these areas for extended stays. It aims to improve waterway safety and environmental health by limiting prolonged vessel presence and reducing derelict vessels.

Confidence

high