Waterfront living offers many benefits, including beautiful sunsets, direct boating access, and close encounters with remarkable wildlife.
Sharing your property with a protected species brings important responsibilities. As a waterfront homeowner, it is essential to understand manatee season and the laws that protect these "sea cows." This guide outlines the key rules, regulations, and best practices for manatee season.
What (and When) is Manatee Season?
Manatees are vulnerable to cold stress. When water temperatures fall below 68°F (20°C), they migrate to warmer areas such as natural springs and power plant discharge canals.
- Official Season: In Florida, Manatee Season officially runs from November 15th through March 31st.
- Why It Matters: During this period, manatees gather in shallow rivers, canals, and coastal estuaries, often near waterfront homes. As they are protected under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, strict regulations are enforced to ensure their safety.
The Golden Rules for Waterfront Homeowners
Whether you are relaxing on your dock, boating, or performing maintenance, the following regulations are essential to follow:
1. Look, But Don't Touch, Feed, or Water
While it may be tempting to interact with manatees near your seawall, such actions are strictly prohibited by law.
- No Feeding: Feeding manatees disrupts their natural diet and encourages them to approach docks, increasing the risk of boat strikes.
- No Watering: Providing manatees with freshwater from a hose is illegal. This changes their natural behavior and draws them away from the warm water habitats they need to survive winter.
- The Penalty: Harassing, feeding, or providing water to manatees can result in significant state and federal fines, as well as possible jail time.
2. Mind Your Wake and Speed Zones
If you own a boat, you are legally required to follow all seasonal waterway signs.
- Idle Speed / No Wake Zones: These zones are strictly enforced during manatee season. Manatees move slowly and surface to breathe, making them especially vulnerable to boat propellers.
- Polarized Sunglasses: Wear polarized sunglasses when boating to reduce water glare and help you spot the distinctive "swirls" or "footprints" left by manatees.
3. Dock Construction and Maintenance Restrictions
If you plan to build a dock, repair a seawall, or install a boat lift, be aware that manatee season significantly affects marine construction activities.
- Permit Delays: Many marine construction permits include conditions that prohibit or restrict in-water work during manatee season to prevent noise disturbance and habitat disruption.
- The 50-Foot Rule: If a manatee approaches within 50 feet of your permitted project, all in-water activities must stop immediately until the manatee leaves the area on its own.
4. Landscaping and Water Quality
Your lawn care practices directly impact the manatees in nearby waters.
- Fertilizer Runoff: Avoid using excessive fertilizers near the water's edge. Nutrient runoff can cause harmful algal blooms, such as red tide or brown algae, which block sunlight and destroy the seagrass manatees depend on for food.
- Debris and Fishing Line: Secure all trash and properly dispose of monofilament fishing line. Manatees can become entangled in loose lines discarded from docks.
What to Do If You Spot an Injured Manatee
If you observe a manatee near your home that appears sick, injured, orphaned, or entangled, do not attempt to intervene yourself.
Important Contact Info: Immediately call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922), or dial #FWC on your mobile phone.
Be ready to provide your exact waterfront address or GPS coordinates, describe the manatee’s condition, and note any distinguishing boat strike scars to assist rescuers.
Protecting Our Waterfront Heritage
At Ocean to River Properties, we believe waterfront living is a privilege that comes with the responsibility of environmental stewardship. By following these guidelines, you help protect manatees and preserve our waterways for future generations.
If you are interested in buying or selling a waterfront home or need guidance on property ownership in these unique coastal ecosystems, our team is here to assist you.