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 Hernando County
 Code of Ordinances
 Chapter 7. BOATS AND WATERWAYS
 Article II. BOATING REGULATIONS

  § 7-17. Definitions.  

Latest version.

  • The following definitions shall apply to this article:

    Airboat means a watercraft which has a principle propulsion system which utilizes a pusher-type or tractor-type propeller, fan or blade which is not normally submerged below the water surface upon which the watercraft operates; the fact an airboat can be propelled by a small auxiliary motor or by some other force does not change its characterization as an airboat.

    Bayport Seagrass Protection Zones shall refer to those submerged lands lying westward of Weeki Wachee/Bayport/Pine Island Drive, as generally delineated on appendix map B-1 [attached to Ordinance No. 2009-07], (incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof), designated to protect seagrasses from propeller scarring and to encourage seagrass regeneration. The actual delineation of these zones shall be by signage at appropriate points around the perimeter of each zone. Watercraft shall use caution in the Bayport Seagrass Protection Zones and shall operate in a manner not to destroy or damage seagrasses.

    Dredge boat means any boat or barge which contains, holds, carries or floats equipment or machinery of any size or type for the purpose of dredging or removing rock or sand from any channel, tributary, canal, waterway or water body within the boundary or under the jurisdiction or control of the county and which includes, without limitation, the Hernando Beach Channel and the Bayport Channel.

    Existing natural waterway shall mean an area of navigable water that is naturally created and unaltered. This definition specifically excludes any and all manmade trails, without regard to the length of their existence or reason for their creation.

    Flood stage (as to the Withlacoochee River) means that period of time commencing when the waters of the Withlacoochee River reach flood stage, as set from time to time by either the federal government or the State of Florida, and ending when the Withlacoochee River crests, as determined by the same governmental body.

    Idle speed, no wake and idle speed means that a vessel must proceed at a speed no greater than that which will maintain steerageway and headway. At no time is any vessel required to proceed so slowly that the operator is unable to maintain control over the vessel or any other vessel or object that it has under tow.

    Jumping of roadways shall mean the propulsion of a watercraft onto or over any roadway.

    No entry zone means an area where no vessel of any kind shall be permitted within the designated area.

    Operation means to have actual control and/or the ability to have control of the vessel, whether moving or not, whether the engines are powered or running, or not.

    Person means any person, firm, corporation, public agency or legal entity.

    Seagrasses shall refer to all underwater and aquatic grasses, grass beds and grass bed communities and shall have the same meaning as the terms "seagrasses" and "seagrass beds" are used within chapter 62 of the Florida Administrative Code.

    Seagrass regeneration special protection zones shall refer to those marsh and coastal areas lying westward of Hernando Beach but excluding the Bayport Seagrass Protection Zones (as separately defined), as generally delineated on appendix map A [attached to Ordinance No. 2008-22] (incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof), designated to protect seagrasses and environmentally sensitive zones. The actual delineation of these zones shall be by signage at appropriate points around the perimeter of each zone.

    Slow speed/minimum wake zone means that a vessel operating within any such area must be fully off plane and completely settled into the water. It may not proceed at a speed greater than that speed which is reasonable and prudent to avoid the creation of an excessive wake or other hazardous condition under the existing circumstances.

    Trail means any defined area where continuous previous usage by vessels is evident by propeller-created trenches or bottom scarring.

    Vessel means any type of boat or floating craft and includes all watercraft.

    Watercraft means any type of boat or floating craft which is propelled or powered by an engine or motor. Examples of watercraft include, without limitation, ships, yachts, motorboats, tugboats, jet boats, jet skis, airboats, hovercrafts, hydrofoils, seaplanes, and sailboats containing any motorized drive or propeller. Watercraft does not include any type of boat or floating craft powered solely by sail, wind or human paddle or stroking.

    Withlacoochee River means all portions of the Withlacoochee River, its tributaries and their overflow within Hernando County, except those portions of the Withlacoochee River between the point where the Withlacoochee River first enters the Withlacoochee State Forest and Alligator Point.

(Ord. No. 2011-12, § I, 6-28-11; Ord. No. 2018-11, 1, 5-22-18)