The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners reminds boat owners in the Florida Keys that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is accepting applications for its Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP), a key component of Florida’s derelict vessel prevention program.
The VTIP is a voluntary process designed to help owners dispose of their unwanted, at-risk vessels before they become derelict. Upon approval of an application, VTIP will take a surrendered vessel and dispose of it at no cost to the boat owner. Removing the vessel before it deteriorates into a derelict condition prevents legal ramifications for the vessel’s owner and protects Florida’s natural resources, including seagrass and marine life along with human safety and property.
A derelict vessel in state waters is a criminal offense and can carry serious penalties, fines or possible jail time.
To qualify for VTIP, a vessel must be floating in state waters and cannot already be determined derelict by law enforcement. The owner must have at least one written at-risk warning or citation and possess a clear title to the vessel.
To apply for or view program guidelines, visit MyFWC.com/VTIP or call the FWC Boating and Waterways Division at 850-488-5600 for more information.
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