Boating Information

Each year, thousands of commercial, recreational and pleasure boaters make their way to the Florida Keys to fish, dive, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard and soak up life on the water.

The waters around the Florida Keys are protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which stretches from south of Miami westward to the Dry Tortugas, not including Dry Tortugas National Park. These waters are home to some truly special treasures, including coral reefs, shipwrecks, seagrass beds and fisheries. They are also the reason boating, diving, fishing and snorkeling here feel unlike anywhere else.

This page is your sea-smart guide to boating in the Keys. Whether it is your first trip or your fiftieth, these tips can help you enjoy protected Florida Keys waterways safely, responsibly and with a little more local know-how.

Public Boat ramp findeR

Before you head out, give your boat a little pre-adventure attention. A quick check now can save a big “uh-oh” later, and it helps keep our waters in good shape too.

• Annual Maintenance – Service your engine every 100 hours or once a year, whichever comes first. Whether you do it yourself or visit a shop, staying on schedule helps keep the day smooth.
• Water Pump Check – Start each season with a fresh impeller or water pump. A dry or worn part can cause trouble fast.
• Fuel Filter – If your boat has been sitting for three months or more, ethanol fuel may have pulled in water. Pour some fuel into a cup to check, replace the filter and clear any water from the tank.
• Batteries – Top off batteries with distilled water, clean and tighten terminals, and warm up the engine to make sure you have a good charge before leaving the dock.
• Trailer TLC – Check tire pressure, grease hubs or buddy bearings once a year, and make sure the drain plug is back in place before launching. Future you will be grateful.
• Safety Gear – Replace expired flares or fire extinguishers, inspect life jackets and carry extras for kids and guests.
• Pump-Out & Cleaners – Use pump-out facilities and eco-friendly bilge cleaners to help keep reef waters clean.
• If You Run Aground – Shut off and tilt up the engine to protect your boat and the seafloor. Wait for high tide or call for help if needed.
• Weather Check – Check conditions before heading out. Strong winds 

Courtesy of Sea Tow Services International and Reef Relief

Smart boating keeps the Florida Keys safe, healthy and fun for everyone. A little courtesy on the water goes a long way.

• Practice Good Seamanship – Keep a safe distance from other boats, anglers and divers. Watch for bubbles, give divers plenty of room and stay at least 100 feet from the red-and-white diver down flag.
• Canoes, Kayaks and Paddleboards Are Vessels Too – Paddlecraft follow the same rules as other watercraft. Carry required safety equipment, including life jackets, lights and a whistle or horn.
• Know the Rules for Fishing – Florida law requires a fishing license, along with size, bag and seasonal limits. Release fish you cannot eat, and help protect water quality by disposing of fish carcasses and lobster shells properly on shore.
• Use Mooring Buoys When Possible – If none are available, anchor only in sandy areas. Avoid corals and seagrass so your anchor and chain don’t cause damage.
• Avoid Groundings – Shallow seagrass beds look brown from the surface. Remember: “Brown, brown, run aground. Blue, blue, sail on through.” Groundings damage reefs and seagrass and can result in fines.
• Respect Wildlife – Don’t chase, feed or harass fish, invertebrates, or other animals.
• Control Speed & Noise – Go slow in dive areas, idle near mangroves, and keep wakes to a minimum.
• Trash & Gear – It’s illegal to dump trash at sea. Plastics and fishing line are especially harmful to marine wildlife, so pickup and bring all waste back to shore and recycle when possible.
• Follow Refuge & Park Rules – No camping, campfires, or collecting in National Wildlife Refuges. Personal watercraft and airboats are not allowed in Keys National Parks or Wildlife Refuges.

• First Come, First Served – Mooring buoys are open to all boaters.
• Keep It in Sight – Steer from a helm station where you can see the buoy the whole time.
• Approach Slowly – Come in from downwind or down current so the yellow pick-up line floats toward you, and keep the buoy on the same side as the helm station.
• Pick It Up Safely – Use a boat hook to grab the yellow pick-up line, then shift to neutral to avoid tangles.
• Tie Off Correctly – Run your boat’s bow line through the loop of the yellow pick-up line, then cleat both ends to your bow. This keeps you secure and helps protect the buoy system.
• Adjust Your Line – Leave enough slack so the buoy stays at the surface and the line runs horizontally. On rougher days, add more line for comfort and less strain on the buoy.
• Check the Buoy – You are responsible for your vessel. Make sure the buoy is holding properly and report any problems to a sanctuary office.
• Find locations – View the buoy map to see sites within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary