Sec. 388.305. - Relocation or removal of vessels.

A law enforcement officer is authorized and empowered to relocate, remove, or cause to be relocated or removed, any vessel anchored, moored, or grounded, on the waters of the county that the officer has reasonable cause to believe is in violation of Section 388.304 , or is a Derelict Vessel, or is an At-Risk/Public Nuisance Vessel. The law enforcement officer shall make a reasonable effort to ascertain the name and address of the owner and any lien holder, as described in Section 388.102 . Such a vessel may be relocated or removed as follows: (a) Without prior notice. Where a law enforcement officer determines that a vessel constitutes an immediate hazard to navigation, the environment, or to public health, safety, and welfare, a law enforcement officer may immediately remove or relocate, but not destroy, the vessel pursuant to F.S. §§ 327.44, 327.70, and 823.11. As soon as practicable thereafter, notice of violation shall be provided as described in Section 388.306 , Ordinance Code. The owner, operator, or other person legally responsible for the vessel is liable to the City for all costs of removal, relocation and storage. Relocation or removal under this subsection does not prevent the issuance of a citation under this Part. (b) With prior notice. Except where a vessel constitutes an immediate hazard to navigation, the environment, or to public health, safety, and welfare, a law enforcement officer shall serve notice of violation as described in Section 388.306 . (Ord. 2025-432-E , § 5)