Rules and licenses
Florida long-term anchoring is a stay-awhile boat check
Starting in 2026, many boats anchored in Florida waters for 14 days or more in a 30-day period need a no-cost long-term anchoring permit.
Florida has plenty of places where a boat can feel like the best front porch in town.
The long-stay part now needs a closer look. Starting January 1, 2026, vessels anchored in Florida waters for 14 days or more within any 30-day period generally need a no-cost electronic long-term anchoring permit from FWC. The application asks for vessel and owner information.
This is not the same as picking up a mooring ball for one night. It is not the same as tying up at a marina or stopping for lunch. It is aimed at longer anchoring stays.
That can matter around the Keys, Tampa Bay, Southwest Florida, and other busy waterways. Liveaboard boats, cruisers, marinas, working waterfronts, and local patrols can all be close together.
If the boat will sit in one area for a while, check the FWC permit page before the stay stretches out. Also check the local anchoring rules, mooring fields, marina options, weather exposure, pumpout access, and navigation limits.
A little planning keeps the boat visit simple. It also helps separate a welcome stay from a paperwork problem that could have been handled online.
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Last checked against these sources: July 4, 2026.
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