NOAA denies speeding restrictions in Florida waters

TAMPA, Fla. – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration rejected a petition in late-October implementing speeding restrictions on vessels in Florida waters.

“NOAA’s rejection of the 10-knot speeding rule, which hurts boaters & threatens national security, is a big win for Florida,” said Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla. “For months, I’ve been calling on NOAA to reject this proposed rule, which was not based in science & is bad for our state.”

Under the proposal, daytime vessel speeds would have been limited to 10 knots and nighttime vessel traffic would have been forbidden.

The restrictions would primarily have affected areas along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Those waters include Port Tampa Bay, SeaPort Manatee, Port Panama City, and Port of Pensacola.

The Gulf of Mexico covers 1.6 million kilometers, or about 615,000 square miles.

“A commonsense response by @NOAA is a major win for @FloridaPorts and the marine industry,” said Rep. Chip LaMarca, R-Lighthouse Point.

NOAA argued that a recently discovered rice whale population known to migrate across the Gulf of Mexico justified the measure. Fewer than 100 rice whales are believed to be in the Gulf.

“It’s as if NOAA wants Florida to hang up a ‘closed for business’ sign,” said Mike Rubin, Florida Ports Council president and CEO. “Florida’s Gulf of Mexico seaports play an enormous role in fueling Florida, and are essential suppliers of everything from food to medical supplies, and construction materials to build homes, roads and make ongoing hurricane repairs in southwest Florida.”

In July, Scott criticized the proposed vessel restrictions.

“@JoeBiden’s proposal to stop boaters from enjoying the Gulf with threats or fines and prison time is INSANE,” Scott said. “I’m demanding he explain himself and reassess this rule before he does irreparable damage, starting with a full assessment of the repercussions.”

Scott also issued a formal letter addressing the proposed rule to President Joe Biden.

“We strongly believe that these widely burdensome restrictions on vessel operations would prove disastrous to Florida’s economy, negatively impact American commerce and be especially painful for Gulf Coast communities; many of which have yet to fully recover from the destruction by Hurricane Michael,” he said.

Scott pointed to the Gulf’s strategic influence on America’s commerce, including its critical role alongside the U.S. Air Force and Navy, as key consequences to NOAA’s changes.

The senator added that the economic impact of the changes would cost 900,000 jobs in Florida’s cargo and cruise industries. 

He also said it would cause a $117.6 billion dollar hit to the state. 

Scott said roughly 13% of Florida’s GDP benefits from marine activities, which in turn presents $4.2 billion in municipal taxes.