Section 823.11, F.S., make it unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to store, leave, or abandon any derelict vessel on the public waters of the State.
The Tampa Police Department (TPD) is tasked with enforcing laws regarding derelict vessels. TPD will contact the last known owner or party responsible for the vessel and require them to either remove it from the public waters of the State immediately or to provide proof that legal transfer of the vessel's ownership occurred prior to the date of this notice. Failure to do so may result in criminal charges, pursuant to section 823.11, F.S. Furthermore, if the vessel is not removed from the public waters of the State, TPD intends to remove or cause the removal of this derelict vessel, and the vessel will be destroyed.