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ITEM: ORDINANCE NO. 2025-22 (AMENDING CHAPTER 24 WATERWAYS)
AN ORDINANCE OF WELLINGTON, FLORIDA’S COUNCIL AMENDING CHAPTER 24 (“WATERWAYS”) OF WELLINGTON’S CODE OF ORDINANCES TO REMOVE RESTRICTIONS ON FUEL TYPE AND ADDRESS BOAT SPEEDS AND WATERWAY ACTIVITIES; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
REQUEST: Approval of Ordinance No. 2025-22 amending Chapter 24, Waterways, relating to boat fuel type and speed, and water activities.
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EXPLANATION: Senate Bill (SB) 1388 relating to vessels was signed into law on May 19, 2025. Specifically, SB 1388 adopted the “Watercraft Energy Source Freedom Act,” which prohibits restrictions on the use of watercraft based on the energy source used to power the watercraft. The proposed amendment addresses the prohibition while continuing to maintain the intent of the Chapter to maintain slow speeds and prohibit water sports activities on Wellington’s lakes, canals, and water bodies.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: NO
PUBLIC HEARING: YES QUASI-JUDICIAL: NO
FIRST READING: YES SECOND READING:
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: YES
FISCAL IMPACT: NO
WELLINGTON FUNDAMENTAL: Responsive Government
RECOMMENDATION: Approval of Ordinance No. 2025-22 amending Chapter 24, Waterways, relating to boat fuel type and speed, and water activities.