Boat Dock Access In Florida: Open Or Closed?

Boat docks in Florida may be closed for a variety of reasons, including special events, weather conditions, and repairs. For example, the Jacksonville Landings boat dock was closed for repairs after being heavily damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017. It is important to check with local authorities about the status of a boat ramp before use, as closures may not be reported in real time.

Boat ramps may be closed due to weather conditions or repairs

Boat ramps in Florida may be closed due to weather conditions, repairs, or special events. It is recommended that you check with local authorities about the status of a boat ramp before venturing out, as closures may occur unexpectedly. While some websites provide information on boat ramp locations and access, they may not always be up-to-date regarding real-time closures.

In Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Boating and Waterways Section works tirelessly to improve boating access. They identify potential sites for new boating access facilities, renovate and expand existing ones, and construct and repair boat ramps on state-owned lands. As a result, there are over 200 access sites available to the public, with new sites being added each year.

However, it's important to be aware that boat ramps may temporarily close due to weather conditions or necessary repairs. For example, the Big Bend - Hickory Mound Unit in the Northwest Region experienced hazardous road conditions due to Hurricane Helene, leading to the closure of the western portion of the Hickory Mound Impoundment dike until repairs could be made.

Additionally, special events can also lead to temporary closures. For instance, the Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina in Jacksonville closes to the public during the annual Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament held in July.

To ensure a smooth boating experience, it's advisable to check the status of your desired boat ramp ahead of time and be mindful of any weather-related or maintenance-related closures that may impact your plans.

Docks may close for special events, e.g. the annual Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament

Boat docks in Florida may be closed for special events, such as the annual Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament, which is held in July each year at Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina. The park is closed to the public during the tournament.

In addition to special events, boat ramps and docks in Florida may be closed due to weather conditions, repairs or renovations, and natural occurrences such as flooding. It is advisable to check with local authorities or relevant websites for the latest information on closures before planning a trip.

Some boat docks in Florida also have specific rules and regulations that users should be aware of, such as maximum length of stay, no open flame policies, and restricted areas for docking. It is important to review the schedule or guidelines provided by the dock management to avoid any inconvenience.

Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, boat ramps and marinas in some counties, including Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach, were closed due to concerns about large gatherings on boats and non-compliance with social distancing guidelines.

Docks may be closed for renovations, e.g. The Landings docks in Jacksonville

Boat docks in Florida may be closed for renovations, such as the Metropolitan Park Marina in Jacksonville, which is temporarily closed for this purpose. The Metropolitan Park Marina is located on the Northbank of the St. Johns River, just west of channel markers G'81' and R'82'. The centre of the marina entrance can be found at N30°19.161' W81°38.467.

The Jacksonville Landing-Northbank Riverwalk is also closed for construction.

In the meantime, the Wood docks at Metro Park are the only docks available. They are open for reservations for major events and game days and are available on a first-come, first-served basis for 72 hours on non-event days. The maximum length of stay is 72 hours in any 30-day period.

Potable water is available at all slips at no cost to boaters, and a self-service, boat pump-out station is provided for free. No open flames are allowed on boats or the docks, and bar-b-que cooking may be done in the park or along the bulkhead area of the docks.

Docks may close for safety reasons, e.g. hazardous bridge conditions

Docks in Florida may close for safety reasons, such as hazardous bridge conditions. For instance, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has reported hazardous bridge conditions leading to the closure of the Kenwood Road bridge in the Alligator Lake PSGHA area. Similarly, the FWC has also reported hazardous road conditions resulting from Hurricane Helene, which have led to the closure of the western portion of the Hickory Mound Impoundment dike in the Big Bend area.

In addition to hazardous conditions, docks may also close due to special events, weather conditions, or needed repairs. For example, the Jacksonville Landings dock in Jacksonville, Florida, was closed for repairs after sustaining heavy damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017. The dock was set to reopen on a limited basis in October 2018, with plans for complete replacement in the works.

It is important to check with local authorities or relevant websites for the most up-to-date information on dock closures. The Boat Ramp Finder, for instance, provides detailed information on public boat ramps in Florida, including maps and photographs. Additionally, the FWC website offers information on the open/closed status of FWC-managed areas and facilities, including wildlife and fish management areas.

Docks may close due to damage, e.g. from hurricanes

Boat docks in Florida may close due to damage from hurricanes or other weather events. For example, the docks at The Jacksonville Landings were heavily damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and had to be closed for repairs. In some cases, docks may be closed for an extended period of time to allow for necessary repairs.

In addition to weather conditions, boat docks can also be temporarily closed due to special events, needed repairs, or renovations. For instance, the Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina in Jacksonville, Florida, is closed to the public during the annual Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament held each July.

Before visiting an unknown boat ramp or dock, it is advisable to check with local authorities or relevant websites for the latest information on closures. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provides information on closures due to storm activity, natural occurrences, repairs, or renovations for various areas and facilities.

Some dock manufacturers in Florida, such as EZ Dock, design their products to withstand tropical storms and be environmentally friendly. EZ Dock's floating docks are made of durable polyethylene, which can withstand harsh weather conditions and does not require the use of foam or treated wood, reducing the negative impact on the environment.

Frequently asked questions