§ 7-74. Enforcement.

(a)

Hernando County, by and through its board of county commissioners, may establish and post areas to prohibit entry, limit speed, or otherwise regulate vessels operating in any waters within the boundaries of the county as needed through exercise of its police powers. The board of county commissioners may delegate this function, as it deems appropriate, as authorized by law.

(b)

The prohibitions and restrictions contained in this article shall not apply to vessels owned or under contract to federal, state or local government entities and operated for official business by duly authorized personnel.

(c)

The provisions of this article shall be enforced by members of all duly authorized federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies within the county including, but not limited to, the sheriff of the county and his duly authorized deputies, officers of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and officers of the Florida Marine Patrol. Violations of this article are punishable as described in Chapter 2, Article III, of this Code, as amended from time to time.

(d)

Any person found committing a violation of any provision of this article shall be cited for a minimum fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for the first violation. A second violation of this article shall be cited for a minimum fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) and a third violation of this article shall be cited with a minimum fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00). A citation issued pursuant to this article shall not preclude any other fine or remedy available under any other provision of this Code or applicable state or federal law.

(Ord. No 2008-22, § I, 10-21-08)