DeSantis: Boats must stay 50 feet apart, carry no more than 10 people

The executive order issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis March 27 is a response to boaters rafting their boats together for large parties.

By Jonathan Simmons
| 7:30 p.m. March 28, 2020

The Intracoastal near Pellicer Creek. File photo

Ormond Beach Observer
News

Recreational boaters in Florida must keep their vessels at least 50 feet away from other vessels when stopped, and may carry no more than 10 people at a time, according to an executive order issued by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on March 27.

The rule is designed to enforce social distancing on the water after the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission "received numerous reports from across the state that large numbers of vessels are congregating together in various locations across the state, tying up or anchoring close together, and individuals are often leaving their vessels and assembling closely in shallow water," according to the text of the order.

The 50-foot rule does not apply to boats that are moored in mooring fields or that are in marina slips or other permanent wet slips, or to boats that are underway — unless they're rafted together.

Vessels not complying with the order will be deemed a hazard to public safety. DeSantis has authorized the FWC to enforce the order.