Sec. 388.202. - Investigations; Inspections; Emergency Right of Entry.

(a) A code enforcement officer or law enforcement officer has the authority to conduct investigations of a floating structure, when such floating structure is anchored, moored, or aground, on the waters of the county. The term officer as used in this Part refers to either or both, a code enforcement officer or a law enforcement officer. (b) Reporting lost or abandoned floating structures. Whenever any person finds any lost or abandoned floating structure, such person may report the description and location of the floating structure to the Director of the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department, or designee, or to a law enforcement officer who shall deliver a copy of the report to the Director of the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department, or designee. The person taking the report shall ascertain whether the person reporting the floating structure wishes to make a claim to it if the rightful owner cannot be identified or located. If the person does wish to make such claim, he or she shall deposit with the City a reasonable sum sufficient to cover the cost for transportation, storage, and publication of notice. This sum shall be reimbursed to the finder by the rightful owner should he or she identify and reclaim the lost floating structure. (c) An officer investigating a floating structure pursuant to this Part shall make a reasonable inquiry to ascertain the name and address of the owner and any lien holder. (d) Except as provided below, an officer may not board or make an inspection of a floating structure in the enforcement of this Part, unless: (1) Consent for the inspection is received from the owner, operator, or person in charge; or (2) The appropriate warrant, as provided in F.S. Ch. 933, is obtained. (e) In the event of an emergency or extreme hazard which may involve the loss of life or severe property damage, or to otherwise assure the maintenance of public health and safety, including the floating structure posing or reasonably likely to become a navigational hazard, and under circumstances which preclude reference to a court or magistrate for a warrant, a law enforcement officer may enter upon a floating structure without warrant for the limited purpose of such emergency action as the circumstances may require to avert the emergency. This provision shall not authorize action which could, consistent with the public interest, be deferred pending the obtaining of a warrant. (f) This Section does not prohibit the lawful right of entry or inspection of a floating structure pursuant to any other provision of law or rule. (Ord. 2025-432-E , § 3)