Boaters who anchor overnight in Biscayne Bay could face fines of up to $2,500 per night under a proposed Miami-Dade County ordinance scheduled for a public hearing Tuesday.

The measure, the county's first attempt at regulating overnight anchoring across all its waterways, would cap overnight stays at 30 days in any six-month period. It passed first reading before the full Board of County Commissioners on June 2 by a vote of 8-1.

Commissioner Vicki Lopez is the ordinance's prime sponsor, with Commissioner René García as co-sponsor.

30-day cap would apply to all county waterways

Under the proposed Section 7-40.1 of the county code, it would be unlawful for any vessel to anchor for one hour or more between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise for more than 30 days in any six-month period. The rule would apply to Biscayne Bay and all other county waters in both incorporated and unincorporated areas.

Three categories of boats are exempt: government vessels on official duty, construction or dredging vessels on active job sites, and commercial fishing vessels actively engaged in fishing. Boats anchored within marked mooring fields would not count toward the 30-day limit.

Repeat violations could cost boaters $2,500 per day

Civil penalties escalate quickly. A first offense carries a $500 fine. A second offense within five years jumps to $1,000. A third or subsequent violation within five years costs $2,500. Each day a boat remains in violation counts as a separate offense.

County code inspectors would enforce the rules in unincorporated areas. Municipalities can enforce within their boundaries or opt out by adopting their own regulations. Any law enforcement officer with jurisdiction may also enforce the ordinance.

County cites navigational hazards and seagrass damage

The ordinance's preamble states that the buildup of vessels anchored for extended periods "has reached a critical point" that "impedes other boaters' use and enjoyment of the Bay," creates navigational hazards and harms seagrasses and other marine life, according to the legislative text.

The Dinner Key area of Coconut Grove has long been a focal point for derelict and abandoned vessels. John Ricisak, a manager with Miami-Dade's Division of Environmental Resources Management, has overseen the removal of more than 550 boats from local waters since 2007 at a cost exceeding $2 million. "We remove one and two more take its place," Ricisak told WLRN in December, describing the county's ongoing struggle with abandoned boats.

Miami-Dade County has 73,000 registered boats, including nearly 5,000 longer than 40 feet, according to a June Insurance Journal report.

Miami already passed similar restrictions citywide

The county ordinance follows a similar measure the city of Miami already passed for its waterways, sponsored by Commissioner Damian Pardo, which restricts anchoring to 30 nights in any six-month period and bars vessels from anchoring within 300 feet of a public mooring field.

Residents can speak at Tuesday's 10:30 a.m. hearing

The Recreation, Tourism and Resiliency Committee will hold the public hearing Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in Commission Chambers. The committee is chaired by Commissioner René García, with Vice Chairwoman Micky Steinberg and members Commissioners Marleine Bastien, Kionne McGhee and Raquel Regalado.

Under county Rule 6.06, residents have a reasonable opportunity to speak at the hearing. If approved by the committee, the ordinance would advance to a second and final reading before the full Board of County Commissioners.

Residents needing ADA accommodations should contact the Miami-Dade County Agenda Coordinator's Office at 305-375-2035 at least five days before the meeting.