A Letter from the SSCA

Updates from FL & the Southeast

This year the Florida legislature only passed one significant bill affecting cruisers - HB1103. It can give local officers the authority to enforce provisions related to derelict vessels and long term anchoring permits. Several other bills related to cruising failed.

Next year, we expect there will be an attempt to extend the current 30 day anchoring restrictions in some of Florida’s large counties to its smaller counties. If passed, this will significantly affect how cruisers pass through Florida.

In addition, we are actively opposing legislation in Alabama – SB326 - that delegates the ability to set anchoring restrictions to law enforcement agencies as opposed to duly elected officials. 

In South Carolina, Bill 3771 has just been amended to require a survey that attests to sea worthiness of a boat to anchor more than 14 days. The survey cannot be less than 2 years old. The bill previously required each vessel to have marine recovery insurance

And in Wisconsin, an Abandoned Vessel Bill – SB250 - was proposed that defined “abandoned” as “leaving a boat unattended, without demonstrated intent to return to or moor or maintain the boat, for a period of more than 7 consecutive days.” Penalty was up to $10,000 and/or up to 9 months in prison. This bill failed to pass. We will continue to monitor whether something like it surfaces again.

So, you can see, the battle for reasonable restrictions is never ending. Much of it results from derelict vessels and the effort to clean up our waterways but we constantly get caught up in it and must fight to protect our rights. 

Much of the success SSCA has enjoyed is because we work in conjunction with three other boating organizations - America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA), DeFever Cruisers (DF), and the Marine Trawler Owners Association (MTOA). Together we form a Boaters’ Rights Advocacy Coalition which gives us more clout and experience.

To be even more effective, the coalition hires professionals to represent your interests in Florida. It gives us “experienced boots on the ground” before and during Florida’s legislature session to fully understand what’s happening and how to intervene. Why Florida? Because it is a bell weather state for what other states do in regulating boating and is a destination state for thousands of cruisers each year.

In addition, SSCA joins with state and national organizations throughout the year as issues arise. SSCA monitors legislation in 30 states that have navigable waterways to be sure we are fully aware of any threats that may impact our members.

Whether you’re a SSCA member or not, whether you are still boating or not, you can help in two areas. First, please contribute to the Boaters' Rights Advocacy Fund. SSCA’s goal for 2025 is $5,000. Help all of us continue cruising freely by Clicking Here to donate now. Second, email us at advocacy@ssca.org if you are willing to meet with local and state officials in Florida or your home state.

Thanks for your continued support and thank you if you have already contributed this year.

Kingsley Ross, SSCA Advocacy Committee

Joan Conover, SSCA President