In recognition of Florida's unique coral reef systems and their importance to the economy, the Florida Legislature enact
Coral Reef Protection Spanning more than 330 nautical miles from the Dry Tortugas to the St. Lucie Inlet, the Florida Reef Tract is one of the greatest natural resources in the United States. Florida’s reefs provide habitat for 6,000 marine species, protect south Florida’s shorelines from tropical storms and hurricanes, and sustain Florida’s fisheries, famous beaches, tourism, and recreation by contributing to $6.3 billion to the local economy. The Florida Reef Tract is susceptible to a range of threats, including injuries caused by vessels grounding and anchoring on the coral reefs. Vessel hulls, anchors and propellers can fracture and crush coral reef framework and dislodge corals, sponges and other marine animals and plants.
The Coral Reef Protection Act:
In recognition of Florida's unique coral reef systems and their importance to the economy, the Florida Legislature enacted the Florida Coral Reef Protection Act (CRPA) in 2009, to increase protection of coral reef resources on lands off the coasts of Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Under this law, DEP may assess civil penalties for anchoring a vessel on a coral reef or any other damage to a coral reef totaling: a) less than or equal to 1 square meter (m2), $150; b) more than 1 m2, but less than or equal to 10 m2, $300 per m2; and c) more than 10 m2, $1000 per m2. You can help to protect the Florida Reef Tract by: Avoiding anchoring on coral reefs Use mooring buoys instead - mooring buoys are located off the coasts of Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties Report Vessel Groundings or other coral reef injury, call: (786)385-3054 View Southeast Florida’s Reefs on your mobile device: Use the map below to find a sandy spot for anchoring
