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As the cost of living and homeless population continues to surge, authorities in Martin County, Florida, are grappling with an increasing number of squatters seeking refuge on derelict boats, exacerbating an existing problem in the area.
Derelict vessels, defined as boats with two or more violations such as lacking a motor, mast or having open windows, have long posed navigational hazards and environmental risks in the county.
According to Martin County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Michael Dougherty, the rise in homelessness has led to a surge in squatters occupying these abandoned boats, causing further deterioration and safety concerns.
Dougherty highlighted instances where these vessels have come loose, resulting in collisions with docks.
“We’ve seen a tremendous increase, actually, throughout the county,” Dougherty said. “You’ll have vagrants squatting on the boat, it falling apart, there have been several instances where the boats have come loose and ran into the docks.”
Last November, officials reported that seven boats got loose in the Jensen Beach causeway, creating chaos.
The county commissioners have responded by amending an ordinance to grant more power to law enforcement and the harbormaster in cracking down on unauthorized boats in mooring fields.
Once a boat is deemed derelict, deputies can tag it and attempt to contact the owner to bring the boat up to code or move it. If there is no response after 21 days, authorities have the option to hire Sea Tow to remove and dispose of the boat, a process that incurs significant costs, often borne by taxpayers.
“It can be anywhere from $6,000 and upward,” Dougherty stated. “Astronomical amounts of money.”
The impact of derelict boats and squatters extends beyond safety concerns, affecting businesses that rely on tourism.
Giles Murphy, owner of Stuart Angler Bait and Tackle, stressed the importance of maintaining the appeal of the waters for anglers and tourists, saying that the unsightly presence of derelict boats is turning away potential visitors.
“This time of year is our busiest … with the snowbirds making their way down,” Murphy said. “A lot of them are seeing these derelict boats and being like, ‘What’s up with these boats?’ It’s a real eyesore.”
To address the issue, authorities are enforcing Florida State Statutes that classify dumping derelict vessels and non-compliance with law enforcement as crimes, punishable by arrest or fines.
However, the long process and associated costs continue to be a challenge.
In addition to the homelessness issue on derelict boats, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office is also contending with abandoned boats suspected of transporting migrants to the U.S.
The broader context indicates a growing trend of squatters taking over abandoned structures, including homes and boats, across Florida.
The issue has gained attention in the State Legislature, with lawmakers proposing a bill to give law enforcement more power to remove squatters.
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