Notice of Approval: Okeechobee County Establishment of Boating Restricted Areas

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on April 17, 2024, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Commission) received a completed application for approval of Okeechobee County, Ordinance No. 2023-0004. The Commission has reviewed the submission pursuant to section 327.46(1)(c), F.S. and Rule 68D-21.002, F.A.C., and finds competent, substantial evidence that the ordinance is necessary to protect public safety.  

Find the Okeechobee County Ordinance No. 2023-0004, as approved by the Commission.

A brief description of the ordinance as approved: Two Slow Speed Minimum Wake boating-restricted areas are created within Taylor Creek and Lake Okeechobee Rim Canal to close the gap between previously established boating safety zones less than 500ft apart presenting a hazard to navigation per 327.46(1)(c)2c F.S.

As required by Rule 68D-21.001(3), F.A.C., Okeechobee County has published as provided by Sections 50.011-.031, F.S., once a week for two consecutive weeks, notice of the ordinance in a newspaper of general circulation in the area affected by the ordinance.

Election of Rights: The Commission’s action on the application is subject to review pursuant to chapter 120, F.S.  Any persons whose substantial interests have or may be affected by the Commission’s action on this application may seek an administrative hearing with the Commission within 21 days of posting of this notice.

Find the Petition for Administrative Hearing form for this purpose.  

This form must be received by the Commission no later than 21 days from this posting and may be mailed or submitted by email to the address listed below: 

THIS NOTICE IS POSTED AS OF: Tuesday, May 28, 2024 (5 p.m. Eastern Time)

DUE DATE: Tuesday, June 18, 2024 (5 p.m. Eastern Time) (21 days from posting date)

A COPY OF THE APPLICATION CAN BE OBTAINED BY EMAIL (IN PDF FORMAT) OR BY US MAIL. Please submit your request directly to BoatingPublicComments@MyFWC.com or contact the Boating and Waterways Section at 850-488-5600.

Find more information about public workshops, notices and comment opportunities related to boating and waterways.