Jet Boating in the Florida Everglades

[rkgdmd]

Hi Everyone,

While driving our boat from Key Largo down to Islamorada, we were stopped and boarded by the USCG. Overall the experience was pleasant...probably because I had everything they wanted to see...and I got a close look at their massive RIB powered by triple 350 Yamahas. While making small talk with one of the men, he casually mentions a new law that prevents jet boating in the Everglades. I was aware that PWC's were banned, but not jet powered boats as well. I asked for clarification, but he insisted that was the case. I have been unable to find anything regarding this new law which prevents jet boats from entering the Everglades. Even some of the locals here are unsure. Anybody aware of this "new law"?

 

[haknslash]

I don't think it's a new law. It seems to have been that way for over a decade based on the very little google searching I just did. It seems the law is mainly to keep humans away from sanctuary sites for creatures and animals. While your boat is technically a boat, they will just see it as a overly large jet ski. These craft allow you to get into shallow protected areas so that's their concern...I guess.

PWC Ban In The Florida Keys???

Just curious, has there been any progress made to repeal the ban of PWCs in the lower Fla Keys areas? Most of the Gulf side waters of the Fla Keys was off limits to PWCs. There were some efforts being made earlier this year to get those bans repealed but I never heard of any changes. Davex1

www.pwctoday.com

PWC riding in the Florida Keys. Areas not permitted?

Hey Guys. I posted a while ago here about doing the keys by waverunner as a honeymoon trip. Still planning the trip, so long as there is a Florida left after Irma has her way with it! Trip will be in January/February, and want to explore the coast and the Keys, etc for about two-3 weeks...

greenhulk.net

https://nmsfloridakeys.blob.core.windows.net/floridakeys-prod/media/archive/review/documents/backcountryplan.pdf (you'll get a migraine reading that)

Personal Watercraft - Everglades National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

 

[seadude]

I don't see how those regulations specifically restrict "jet drive" boats...
On the otherhand in NJ, some lakes actually do ban all jet drives in an effort to avoid PWC use and noisy legacy jet drive drag boats!

 

[rkgdmd]

I'm pretty sure that there is no new law either. The ban on PWC's has been around a long time that's why I got nervous when he said "new law". I'm just surprised that the Coast Guard might actually be confused on the laws and regulations. Probably a moot point anyway. In all the years of boating in the Everglades, I have never encountered the FWC or FMP let alone a Coast Guard vessel there. Lots of area to patrol and limited resources I guess. I did hear about a new law that will require you to pay a fee to boat in the Everglades. Something like $50 to $75/yr. Not sure if it passed or in effect though.

 

[cbpagent72]

Hi Everyone,

While driving our boat from Key Largo down to Islamorada, we were stopped and boarded by the USCG. Overall the experience was pleasant...probably because I had everything they wanted to see...and I got a close look at their massive RIB powered by triple 350 Yamahas. While making small talk with one of the men, he casually mentions a new law that prevents jet boating in the Everglades. I was aware that PWC's were banned, but not jet powered boats as well. I asked for clarification, but he insisted that was the case. I have been unable to find anything regarding this new law which prevents jet boats from entering the Everglades. Even some of the locals here are unsure. Anybody aware of this "new law"?

Probably a safe boat not a RIB. Aluminum boat with a foam (not inflatable) ballistic collar.

SAFE 33 Full Cabin

SAFE 33 is proven for patrols, response, port security, law enforcement and search and rescue (SAR) in nearly any mission environment.

www.safeboats.com

 

[rkgdmd]

That is the boat!

 

[JDinfla]

Pwc and jet boats are not under the same laws in the keys.

 

[Gym]

I get it...Sucking up a rope is bad enough but sucking up an alligator yikes.

 

[rkgdmd]

Actually, it's the Croc's that are the real problem. They've made such an exceptional come back that they're showing up in the residental canals in the Keys. FWC is finally starting to admit this may be an issue and have changed from a do nothing attitude to helping relocating some of the big 13 or 14 foot monsters. Not good for tourism when someone gets eaten alive I suppose.

 

[the MfM]

I'm pretty sure that there is no new law either. The ban on PWC's has been around a long time that's why I got nervous when he said "new law". I'm just surprised that the Coast Guard might actually be confused on the laws and regulations. Probably a moot point anyway. In all the years of boating in the Everglades, I have never encountered the FWC or FMP let alone a Coast Guard vessel there. Lots of area to patrol and limited resources I guess. I did hear about a new law that will require you to pay a fee to boat in the Everglades. Something like $50 to $75/yr. Not sure if it passed or in effect though.

I wouldn’t worry about them understanding the law. The coast guard is confused by the fourth amendment.

 

[rkgdmd]

I wouldn’t worry about them understanding the law. The coast guard is confused by the fourth amendment.

I have heard that so many times. Guess we were just lucky that day.