Florida Statutes 327.461 – Safety zones, security zones, regulated navigation areas, and naval vessel protection zones; prohibited entry; penalties
Current as of: 2024 | Check for updates
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(1)(a) A person may not knowingly operate a vessel, or authorize the operation of a vessel, in violation of the restrictions of a safety zone, security zone, regulated navigation area, or naval vessel protection zone as defined in and established pursuant to 33 C.F.R. part 165.
Attorney's Note
Under the Florida Statutes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Felony of the third degree | up to 5 years | up to $5,000 |
| misdemeanor of the first degree | up to 1 year | up to $1,000 |
Terms Used In Florida Statutes 327.461
- Operate: means to be in charge of, in command of, or in actual physical control of a vessel upon the waters of this state, to exercise control over or to have responsibility for a vessel's navigation or safety while the vessel is underway upon the waters of this state, or to control or steer a vessel being towed by another vessel upon the waters of the state. See Florida Statutes 327.02
- Person: means an individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association, or other entity. See Florida Statutes 327.02
- Vessel: is synonymous with boat as referenced in Florida Statutes 327.02
(b) The intent of this section is to provide for state and local law enforcement agencies to operate in federally designated exclusion zones specified in paragraph (a). State and local law enforcement personnel may enforce these zones at the request of a federal authority if necessary to augment federal law enforcement efforts and if there is a compelling need to protect the residents and infrastructure of this state. Requests for state and local law enforcement personnel to enforce these zones must be made to the Department of Law Enforcement through the Florida Mutual Aid Plan described in s. 23.1231.
(2) A person who knowingly operates a vessel, or authorizes the operation of a vessel, in violation of the restrictions of such a safety zone, security zone, regulated navigation area, or naval vessel protection zone commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(3) A person who continues to operate, or authorize the operation of, a vessel in violation of the restrictions of such a safety zone, security zone, regulated navigation area, or naval vessel protection zone after being warned against doing so, or who refuses to leave or otherwise cease violating the restrictions of such a safety zone, security zone, regulated navigation area, or naval vessel protection zone after having been ordered to do so by a law enforcement officer or by competent military authority, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(4) A person who knowingly enters a safety zone, security zone, regulated navigation area, or naval vessel protection zone by swimming, diving, wading, or other similar means commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(5) A person who remains within or reenters such a safety zone, security zone, regulated navigation area, or naval vessel protection zone after being warned not to do so, or who refuses to leave or otherwise cease violating such a safety zone, security zone, regulated navigation area, or naval vessel protection zone after having been ordered to do so by a law enforcement officer or by competent military authority, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(6) Each incursion into such a safety zone, security zone, regulated navigation area, or naval vessel protection zone is considered a separate offense.
(7) An entry into such a safety zone, security zone, regulated navigation area, or naval vessel protection zone that has been authorized by the captain of the port or the captain’s designee is not a violation of this section.