Free anchorages in Florida

[Hudson Force]

Moorings are relatively rare throughout Florida compared to New England and, as others have said, anchoring is free.

I spent some time anchored out the Gulfport Casino about ten years ago and I spoke at the town council meeting as they were planning a mooring field back then. I emphasized that a successful mooring field would require available dinghy landing; pump out facility and a fresh water supply,- with a bath house for showers advisable.

While I was at Gulfport there was a dismasted wooden trimaran with considerable damage and rot, covered in tarps. I visited a couple that were living on this boat. They were hanging onto a dream of cruising, but all was deteriorating,- no pump out or holding tank. What might have been a one time cruising dream seemed to be a raft for low income housing.

I like mooring fields when they are with facilities and a fair price. Most Florida mooring fields that I've used cost $15 to $20 a night. I've seen moorings in Nantucket for what was (I think) $75/day and no room at the dinghy dock! I never remain long enough to have an interest in their monthly rates, but I have anchored free at Florida locations for as long as a three month period.

[ZERO]

Ahoy,
I'd like to refresh the conversation about anchoring in Florida. Does anyone has some actual intel on where boats are allowed to anchor without breaking local rules, laws or the patience of the people?

Any info's are highly appreciated..
Thanks
Aloha
Cris

[captstu]

Those peanut Island Anchorage and the angry area around West Palm Beach city dock appear to have unlimited Anchorage without restrictions. I stayed there about three years several years ago. Dinghy approaches fair. The anchorage Area next to West Palm Beach sailing club is also quite good. West Palm Beach sailing club has a dinghy dock that you can gain access to for models fee add includes a shower had a source of water. There is a pump out in the area but it is not free.

[Capt Clark]

Zero,

There are several places here in Miami & Miami Beach that have free anchorage. There is also a Publix grocery Store here on the beach that is accessible by dingy. If you use Google Earth you will see the areas.

Capt Clark

[Cheechako]

Generally, you can drop the hook on the edge of the ICW many places.. people dont call them "acnhorages" .... depth depending!
Lake Worth near Palm Beach used to be a favorite if it hasn't changed. You can dingy to the N end and short walk to stores.
Biscayne Bay is available many places. The Stadium and more.
Near Ft Pierce there are cubby holes. One near the entrance to Harbortown Ft Pierce, just North or South of the bridge on the Marina side. Across from there too just N. of the Freeway Bridge is a nice little spot. Reef on the entry, go around it.

I anchored once just along the ICW in the middle of Miami. Had a fuel issue so spent the night.

The places seem to abound if you seek them out and dont anchor right in front of some rich guy's house!

[Wilyum]

Anchoring aside, how hard is it to get a mooring in southern Florida in winter?

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Wilyum

Anchoring aside, how hard is it to get a mooring in southern Florida in winter?

Smaller boats are easier than larger, luck and timing play a large part.