Palmetto takes action to target derelict and abandoned boats

Palmetto added language to its abandoned property ordinance Monday specifically designed to allow greater authority in dealing with the ongoing issue of abandoned and derelict boats throughout Manatee County.

City attorney Mark Barnebey said the city’s existing ordinance was good “but needs updates more consistent with state statutes.”

That includes language in a new Florida law passed during last summer’s legislative session that allows law enforcement to take action on boats that are in danger of becoming derelict. The law is designed to prompt owners to take care of their vessels within 30 days or face “stronger penalties,” including monthly accruing fines.

However, in most cases when law enforcement is called to respond to a vessel issue, it is already beyond repair, sometimes sunk, and very often it is difficult to even find the registered owner. The problem is no different for Palmetto.

“What we are talking about is boats without an identifiable owner,” Police Chief Scott Tyler said. “We get no response, no reply and even have the jurisdictional agency try to contact the last known address of the last known owner. It’s truly abandoned property.”

From 2010 through 2016, Manatee County removed 92 vessels at a cost of $204,200, not counting many others funded through a West Coast Inland Navigation District grant. Local municipalities are authorized to sell or donate the property one year after seizure and can seize the property five days after posting a notice on the vessel.

Typically, the boats seized from Manatee County’s waterways end up directly in the landfill, as it would not be cost effective to repair the vessels for resale or donation.

“It makes sense because we have a number of vessels not going anywhere and are stuck off our coast,” Barnebey said.

One of the biggest concerns with derelict boats, which often provide shelter for squatters, is sanitation. The new law also allows law enforcement to require proof from anyone living on board a vessel that their sanitary features are operating normally and safely.

This story was originally published August 7, 2017 at 8:31 PM with the headline "Palmetto takes action to target derelict and abandoned boats."