T&T: Anchoring in Florida

[Ron Rogers]

Actually it's bad news. 6 or 8 years ago the USCG refused to enforce 
existing federal law (don't have a citation) which effectively prevents 
local ordinances controlling anchoring on navigable waterways. This proposed 
legislation specifically bars liveaboards. That was one of the central 
issues for proponents of local anchoring ordinances. So this new legislation 
addresses that concern by modifying existing law.

It then goes on to define a liveaboard. However, when does a transient 
become a liveaboard? If you anchor for a week, a month; what is the 
threshold? By leaving that question unanswered, it opens the door to local 
ordinances circumscribing the *period* for which you can remain anchored 
before being accused of being a liveaboard.

Same mess, different name.

Ron Rogers

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Carl H. Martin" <chmartin@tampabay.rr.com>

| I think this is good news.  I wonder if there are any lawyers on the list 
that
| might care to comment on this.  I have a feeling it won't be long before 
this
| is challenged.  Personally I'm amazed that there isn't a Federal law 
regarding
| the right to anchor.