Dispute over anchoring near launch: Council contests officer’s 150-foot claim

The second incident in Jeff Council’s appeal focused on a May 13 encounter at Arden May Park, where an officer said a vessel was moored within 150 feet of a launch facility and issued a trespass warning under a state anchoring statute. Council said he believed the vessel was farther from the ramp and emphasized that anchoring (temporary) differs from mooring (permanent).

Officer Hodges testified he relied on Florida statute 327.4109 (anchoring/mooring restrictions near launch facilities) and said the vessel was close enough to fall within the 150-foot prohibition; he acknowledged he did not use a tape measure but described the vessel’s position relative to park grass and the launch area. Council argued he was not living on the small boat, said the vessel was used to move supplies to a larger anchored catamaran, and asked the magistrate to accept photos into the record to show the boat’s position.

The parties agreed Council’s images would be added to the record as exhibits. The magistrate reserved decision and will issue a written opinion that includes findings of fact and conclusions of law.