Deadline extended through Dec. 31, 2022 for derelict vessel waivers following Hurricane Ian
Photo courtesy of FWC.
Following Hurricane Ian’s landfall on Sept. 28, 2022, vessel owners were given a 45-day grace period to bring derelict vessels into compliance or remove them from Florida state waters. The grace period ended on Nov. 15. The number of impacted vessels is significant, and many residents are still assessing damages. Taking these factors into consideration, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has extended the waiver acceptance deadline through the end of December, 2022.
Owners are still encouraged to hire a salvage company themselves to recover their vessel to provide the safest method possible for the vessel and the environment. Vessel owners may release ownership of a displaced vessel through the waiver process, if they don’t have the resources to salvage or bring the vessel out of derelict status themselves. The FWC will then facilitate the removal and destruction of the vessel, and owners will not be charged for removal costs. This process can be initiated by contacting the FWC through the Hurricane Ian Vessel Hotline at (850) 488-5600 and requesting to turn over a derelict vessel. An FWC representative will then contact the owner to explain the waiver process and facilitate the potential turnover of ownership.
The FWC and partner agencies are unified to ensure the continuity of the vessel removal operation. Over 4,000 vessels have been assessed, and more than 500 of the vessels assessed are derelict. The number is expected to change, as more vessels are discovered and assessed, or vessels are removed by owners or insurance companies.
If your vessel is missing, or you have located a vessel on state waters displaced by the hurricane, please report it to our Hurricane Ian Vessel Hotline: (850) 488-5600.
The Division of Emergency Management (DEM) has assumed the role of coordinating the removal and disposal of vessels investigated by the FWC in Lee and Charlotte counties. DEM has worked closely with the FWC, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Coast Guard and local governments, to identify and remove debris from waterways and upland private and commercial properties. The newly created State Debris Cleanup Program will assist Hurricane Ian survivors with the removal of displaced and abandoned titled property. Residents can request the removal of debris including vehicles, vessels, motorcycles, trailers and ATVs. To make a request, visit IanDebrisCleanup.com to report the presence of debris.age