Florida House Bill 999 was signed by Governor Rick Scott (F) in late May and will take effect on July 1, 2013. The bill 1.) provides for general permitting of mooring fields not exceeding 100 vessels, removes availability of a general permit for public marinas so all marinas will be subject to the standard permitting process. The bill considers mooring fields to be environmentally friendly and economical. This portion of the bill intends for local governments to consider mooring fields in their areas to reduce the effects of anchoring in sea grass areas. 2.) Allows for 10-year leases or consents of use for boat show owners, allows reconfigurations of temporary docking facilities within the lease areas and simplifies lease fee calculations to be based on preempted size and period of the preemption. 3.) Directs state agencies to issue special events permits that allow a movement of temporary structures within the lease area. And 4.) adds dock fee reductions for certain multi-family docks so they are more fairly treated as residential docks.

It is unclear how these provisions will impact Florida boat yards and marinas.

The bill had the support of several marine trades associations in Florida, including the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County and the Marine Industry Association of Florida.