By ASHLEE SKLUTE
Florida, recognized as “The Boating Capital of the World,” is a paradise for boaters. However, when Hurricanes Helene and Milton swept through the state in 2024, the powerful winds and storm surges left devastation in their wake, displacing hundreds of vessels. Some were pushed ashore, others damaged at marinas and private docks, while many were relocated and remained afloat others were partially or fully submerged.
To address the crisis, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) deployed additional officers and derelict vessel (DV) specialists to Southwest Florida. Their mission: locate, identify, and assess vessels rendered derelict by the storms.
Statewide, more than 700 derelict vessels have been recorded since Hurricane Milton’s landfall last October. Of these, more than 426 vessels have been submitted to the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) for contractor removal, with additional removals processed daily. Meanwhile, more than 250 vessels have already been reclaimed by owners, insurers, or contractors — successfully clearing them from Florida’s waterways.
Derelict vessels remain a year-round concern for FWC. The Division of Law Enforcement’s Boating and Waterways Section has led an extensive, multi-year initiative to significantly reduce the backlog of abandoned boats. However, the issue persists, with law enforcement continuously identifying new cases.
FWC prioritizes working directly with boat owners to facilitate vessel removal whenever possible, reducing the financial burden on taxpayers.
“We understand the hardships caused by these hurricanes,” said Maj. Bill Holcomb, FWC Boating and Waterways Section Leader. “Our officers and DV specialists worked diligently to identify displaced and damaged vessels statewide. We are dedicated to helping boat owners locate their vessels and ensuring the removal of any boats from state waters that threaten the environment, obstruct waterways or are rendered derelict. Removing displaced vessels can hasten the recovery and overall resilience of native marine plants and animals.”
Boat owners facing uncertainty about their vessel’s future have options. The first step is to contact the FWC Boating and Waterways Section at 850-488-5600 for guidance.
To proactively prevent derelict vessels, FWC launched the Florida Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP). This initiative allows owners of at-risk vessels to apply for free vessel removal—provided they meet program eligibility requirements. For more details and applications, visit FloridaVTIP.com.
For those who need to report a lost or sunken vessel, the FWC Boating and Waterways Section is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 850-488-5600.
By tackling derelict vessels head-on, Florida is not only keeping its waterways clean and navigable but also safeguarding its rich marine environment for generations to come.
Ashlee Sklute is a Public Information Coordinator for the FWC Division of Law Enforcement
