Boating and Recreation in Naples: Protecting Our Waters, Preserving Our Lifestyle

A Vision for Naples Waters

I believe we can protect our waters, enhance recreational opportunities, and preserve the freedom that makes boating in Naples so special. With smart policy, community input, and environmental responsibility, we’ll keep Naples a world-class destination for generations to come.

Naples is a paradise for boaters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts. With over 25,000 registered vessels in Collier County and access to pristine waterways like Naples Bay, Moorings Bay, and the Gulf of America, boating is not just a pastime—it’s a way of life. But with this privilege comes responsibility, and recent changes in Florida law and local regulations demand thoughtful leadership to ensure safety, access, and environmental stewardship.

Current Challenges

• Boater Safety & Enforcement: The Boater Freedom Act (effective July 1, 2025) now limits random safety inspections by state officers, requiring probable cause for vessel stops. While this protects privacy, it raises concerns about enforcement and rising accident rates—boating deaths in Florida rose 37% from 2023 to 2024.
• Anchoring Restrictions: New laws restrict long-term anchoring in populated counties and critical areas, potentially impacting responsible boaters and creating confusion due to inconsistent local rules.
• Environmental Concerns: Derelict vessels, fuel spills, and overcrowding threaten our delicate ecosystems. Naples has also seen proposals for expanded manatee protection zones, requiring slower speeds in key waterways.
• Dock Regulations: Waterfront homeowners face complex rules for dock extensions and maintenance, with Naples enforcing strict protrusion limits and requiring city approval for variances.

My Proposals for a Safer, Smarter, and More Enjoyable Boating Experience

1. Establish a Naples Waterway Safety Task Force
   • Collaborate with FWC, Coast Guard, and local law enforcement to improve coordination and response times.
   • Promote voluntary safety inspections and expand public awareness of boating laws.
2. Create a Unified Anchoring & Mooring Policy
   • Advocate for consistent statewide anchoring rules to prevent confusion and protect responsible boaters.
   • Support the Vessel Accountability Act while ensuring it doesn’t penalize boaters unfairly.
3. Expand Environmental Protections
   • Support manatee zones and eco-sensitive speed limits where scientifically justified.
   • Launch a “Clean Wake Naples” initiative to reduce pollution and remove derelict vessels.
4. Improve Recreational Access
   • Invest in public docks, kayak launches, and boat ramps to ensure equitable access.
   • Partner with nonprofits like Freedom Waters Foundation to expand therapeutic boating programs for veterans and individuals with disabilities.
5. Streamline Dock Permitting for Homeowners
   • Simplify the variance process and provide clearer guidelines for dock construction and maintenance.
   • Ensure waterfront development balances private rights with public interests.