GOVERNOR SIGNS TWO FLORIDA KEYS RELATED BILLS INTO LAW: VESSEL ANCHORING AND LAND AUTHORITY

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two Monroe County-related bills into law last week, the vessel anchoring bill and the land authority bill.

Monroe County worked with Rep. Mooney and Sen. Rodriguez to tackle derelict vessels in Florida Keys waters. Last session, the Legislature passed a bill enacting new 90-day anchoring limits in the waters of the Florida Keys, including implementing 300 new moorings. The County worked this session to modify that requirement. This year’s bill (CS/CS/SB 1432) lowers the required new moorings to 100 and applies the new anchoring limits only to stored vessels, and will not apply liveaboard vessels until the new required moorings are placed.

“We are pleased the Governor signed this bill and are proud the County led this effort thanks to the help of Rep. Mooney and Sen. Rodriguez,” said Monroe County Mayor Pro Tem Craig Cates, who helped lead the local efforts. “This bill will lead to safer and cleaner waters around the Florida Keys, which is the core of our community in so many ways.”

Monroe County also led the successful passage of SB 442, allowing the Monroe County Land Authority to assist the Board of County Commissioners in enhancing the resilience and mitigation of residential properties. The bill enables the land authority to assist private property owners in grant applications to mitigate flood impacts, such as elevating homes, demolishing older homes below minimum flood elevation and rebuilding the home, or buying out properties in low-lying areas from willing sellers. This is in addition to the public lands the Land Authority purchases and manages. The bill adds to Monroe County’s comprehensive efforts to increase overall resilience in the Florida Keys by complimenting the County’s efforts to rebuild infrastructure like roads, drainage, and other vital public facilities.

“We are excited to see the Governor’s signature on this bill. The passing of this bill adds another tool to our toolbox to make the Florida Keys more resilient to climate change,” said Monroe County Mayor David Rice, who is also the chairman of the land authority board.

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