Protected Areas
Sanctuary areas in the Florida Keys possess strict regulations for water sports.
Ecological and marine sanctuary areas do not allow harvesting of marine life. Boaters can participate in catch-and-release activities in protected areas.
Coral Reefs
A south Florida sunset.
Dead coral structures cannot be touched while snorkeling in protected areas. Snorkelers and scuba divers must display a "diver down" square or rectangular red flag above water when diving in any Florida Keys waterway.
Diving Flags
Boats can't anchor onto coral reefs.
Boats are required to stay at least 300 feet away from diving flags in the ocean. Boats must reduce speed to the posted minimum level when approaching a diving flag.
Boat Anchoring
Boats must maintain a safe distance from snorkelers.
Anchoring a boat onto either dead or living coral is also against the law.
Floating Buoys
Boaters must purchase an access pass to moor a buoy in the Florida Keys. The only exception to the access permit regulation is for boats that are touring the area without fishing gear.
Article Written By Tara Dodrill
Tara Dodrill began writing professionally in 1990. She is a travel writer and photographer working for print and online media, primarily covering Florida, ecotourism and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her writing credits include RUMBUM, Yahoo News, Visit South magazine,and North Carolina Coastal Guide. She studied journalism and education at Ohio University and real estate at Hondros College.
