Salvage??

[crossbow]

Anyone familiar with the salvage laws in Florida?
Here’s the situation. A catamaran arrived in our little bay. Ten feet of chain on the anchor rode. It dragged over the oyster bed and is now firmly in the mud. I went aboard to see if anyone was sick or dead (don’t get waylaid on the wisdom of that, please) and left a note for the owner- an offer to buy.
There are no identifying markings on the boat.
Florida Wildlife went aboard and is in process of trying to contact the owner.
He saw my note and also took my number to pass on to the owner if found. He also said it was taking on water but at the moment is firmly in the mud. However, at next super high tide and north wind it could go anywhere.
Question: Can I go aboard to stop it wreaking havoc in the bay and can I make any claim to it?
Thanks folks.

[Sailorman Ed]

Following......any update?

[marcjsmith]

https://myfwc.com/boating/waterway/d...-process-faqs/

An abandoned vessel is included in the definition of "abandoned property," which is tangible personal property that does not have an identifiable owner and has been disposed on public property in a wrecked, inoperative, or partially dismantled condition or has no apparent intrinsic value to the rightful owner.

Please see the following FAQs regarding the claims process for abandoned vessels.



Expand All
|
Collapse All
Can I help myself to an abandoned vessel that has been left on public waters of the state?
Expand/Collapse Can I help myself to an abandoned vessel that has been left on public waters of the state?
No. It is a crime in Florida to take an abandoned vessel without first getting title to it. Failure to comply with Section 705.103, Florida Statutes could result in fines or even jail time.

If I see a vessel I believe is abandoned, how do I start the claims process?
Expand/Collapse If I see a vessel I believe is abandoned, how do I start the claims process?
The first required step is to report a suspected abandoned vessel to a law enforcement agency. To determine the owner of the vessel, the law enforcement agency will collect a fee and begin an investigation per Section 705.103, Florida Statutes. If the vessel is not claimed during the process of the investigation, the law enforcement agency may allow the transfer to the finder with evidence of the investigation and a copy of the Lost or Abandoned Property Certificate FWCDLE-003. The finder would then apply to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to have the title put into their name.

What does DHSMV require when applying to transfer the title into my name?
Expand/Collapse What does DHSMV require when applying to transfer the title into my name?
Procedures for acquiring such title are outlined in VSTL-29 of the Florida DHSMV. NOTE: The investigation referred to in this document must be completed by a law enforcement agency.

How long does this process take and how much does it cost?
Expand/Collapse How long does this process take and how much does it cost?
The investigation process usually takes between 45 days to 120 days or longer. The cost associated with the investigation is usually between $300 and $600. Costs may may vary, though, depending on investigation requirements.

What happens if I get title and then can't remove the vessel or bring it into legal compliance?
Expand/Collapse What happens if I get title and then can't remove the vessel or bring it into legal compliance?
Once title has been transferred into your name, you become legally responsible for the vessel. If its condition were to become derelict, you would be held responsible. Derelict vessel owners can face civil and criminal penalties, including jail time.

Can I take parts of an abandoned or derelict vessel without obtaining title?
Expand/Collapse Can I take parts of an abandoned or derelict vessel without obtaining title?
No. Taking parts without obtaining title is considered theft and would subject a person to criminal charges.

Can I claim a vessel posted as derelict by a law enforcement agency?
Expand/Collapse Can I claim a vessel posted as derelict by a law enforcement agency?
In most cases the answer would be no. Due to an ongoing criminal investigation and condition of the vessel, it is not suitable for the claims process. However, in some cases, with the approval of the investigating officer, derelict vessels may be claimed.