Environmental & Extension Services - Natural Resources

Abandoned Vessels Program

Vessel Recovery

In 2007, the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners approved Amendment 3-9-62 to the Charlotte County Administrative Code concerning the discovery and disposition of vessels that are Abandoned, Derelict or a Hazard to Navigation. This code change allowed the County to remove abandoned vessels under Florida Statue 705.103(2)(b). 

To Report an Abandoned Vessel:

  • Step 1. Check this Websites Current List of Abandoned Vessels. If it is reported here, go to Step 3 or not report it at all.
  • Step 2. If not on the list, call the FWCC Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) to report it. This will get the process started. You may want to call your locate Sheriff’s Office as well at 1-941-639-2101 (please tell them that you have reported it to FWCC).
  • Step 3. Call the Charlotte County Natural Resource Office at 1-941-764-4360.

Planning on Selling Your Vessel:

Protect yourself, State Law requires the seller to notify Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) about the transaction. The Law requires that you notify DHSMV within 30 days of the sale. Don’t rely on the New Owner.

Definitions:

A derelict vessel (DV) is any vessel that is left, stored, or abandoned upon or under the waters of the State in a wrecked, junked, or substantially dismantled condition. F.S. 823.11(1).

An abandoned property (vessel) is any tangible property (vessel) that does not have an identifiable owner and that has been disposed of on public property in a wrecked, inoperative or partially dismantled condition or has no apparent intrinsic value to the rightful owner. F.S. 705.101(3)

Current List of Abandoned Vessels

Vessel Owner/Operator’s Responsibilities:

  • Vessel Registration: All vessels used on the waters of the state must be registered… F.S. 328.48 (2) Vessels must be in good working order, capable of moving and navigating under its own power (motor or wind)
  • Boating Safety Equipment: The owner and operator of every vessel on the waters of this state shall carry, store, maintain and use safety equipment in accordance with the current USCG requirements. F.S. 327.50 (1)(a)
  • Marine Sanitation:  Every vessel 26 feet or more with enclose cabin, or houseboat, or floating structure with enclosed living space shall install and maintain a toilet with storage capability as to prohibit discharge of raw sewage into the waters of the state.  F.S. 327.53 (1)(2)(3)(4)
  • Litter Law:  Dumping litter (whether accidental or intentional) is prohibited.   F.S. 403.413 (4)(b)(6)
  • Mooring:  All vessels are to be moored in a way as to maintain the submerged lands in its natural condition. F.S. 253.37 (1)  A mooring light is required in accordance with the current USCG.

Boating & Angling Guide to Charlotte Harbor

Charlotte County Artificial Reefs

Protecting yourself when you sell, donate or dispose of your vessel

This project is supported financially by:

For more information
Charlotte County Environmental & Extension Services
25550 Harbor View Road, Unit 2, Port Charlotte, FL  33980
941.764.4360