APPLICATIONS CONTINUE TO BE ACCEPTED FOR FWC VESSEL TURN-IN PROGRAM; PREVENT DERELICT BOATS IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

MONROE COUNTY, FL—The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners wants to remind boat owners in the Florida Keys that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is accepting applications for its Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP), a key component of Florida’s derelict vessel prevention program.

VTIP is a voluntary program designed to help owners dispose of their unwanted at-risk vessels before they become derelict. Upon approval of an application, VTIP will take a surrendered vessel and dispose of it at no cost to the boat owner. Removing the vessel before it deteriorates into a derelict condition prevents legal ramifications for the vessel’s owner and protects Florida’s valuable seagrasses, marine life, and human safety and property.

A derelict vessel in state waters is a criminal offense and can carry serious penalties, fines, or possible jail time.

To qualify for VTIP, a vessel must be floating on state of Florida waters and cannot already be determined derelict by law enforcement. The owner must have at least one written at-risk warning or citation and possess a clear title to the vessel.

To apply for or view program guidelines, visit MyFWC.com/VTIP or call the FWC Boating and Waterways Division at 850-488-5600 for more information.

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