Speed Zones
(Manatee Protected Areas)
Miami‑Dade has a patchwork of manatee protection and boating‑restricted areas.
Rules change by location and season. Use the official map, obey posted signs, and avoid tickets while protecting manatees.
For the most up-to-date maps, always check the official FWC website.
Heads up: Look, nobody hops on a boat in Miami thinking, “Can’t wait to idle through another manatee zone.” We get it.
But here’s the truth: You don’t have to agree with the rules, but if you blow them off, you’ll be the one in hot water (pun fully intended). Better to chill, ride smooth, and save your cash for gas, bait, and sandbar drinks. Play it smart, ease up on the throttle where the signs tell you, and keep the vibes stress-free.
Zone Types — What the Signs Mean
- Idle Speed / No Wake : steerage only; hull fully settled; no wake.
- Slow Speed / Minimum Wake : off plane; hull down; minimal wake.
- Numerical Speed (e.g., 25–30 MPH) : only where posted; often seasonal or channel‑limited.
- No‑Entry / Motorboats Prohibited : do not enter unless explicitly allowed.
Posted signs on the water control even if a map looks different.
When Seasonal Manatee Zones Apply
Manatee season typically runs Nov 15 – Mar 31. During this period many areas shift to idle or slow speed to protect concentrated manatees. Always check local postings and current maps.
How to Avoid Tickets (and Protect Manatees)
- Plan your route with the official map before you launch.
- Look for sign pairs on both sides of marked channels – zones apply between them unless noted.
- If unsure, throttle down to idle or slow until you confirm the zone.
- Watch for winter congregation near warm‑water discharges, inlets, and marinas.
- Report injured or distressed manatees: 1‑888‑404‑FWCC.
FAQs
Yes, each color represents a legally enforceable zone described in rule text. But posted signs on the water always govern in the moment.
There is no single default. Speed is by zone and posted signs. Use the FWC map and obey markers.
Some areas allow numerical speed in marked channels while nearby flats are slow/idle. Check your exact location against the map legend and on-water signs.
Manatees crowd into warm-water refuges and narrow waterways; vessel strikes are a top man-made threat, so zones tighten during cold months.
Legal + Safety Notes
Official rule: F.A.C. 68C‑22.025 (Dade County zones). Counties may also establish safety zones under § 327.46, Florida Statutes. This page summarizes public information; posted signs and official rules control.
Sources: FWC Miami‑Dade Manatee/Boating Restricted Area materials; Florida Statutes §327.46; F.A.C. 68C‑22.025.