Collier County's Derelict Vessel Removal Program  

Derelict Vessels (DV) by definition in Statute 327.02 - is any vessel as left, stored or abandoned: wrecked, junked, or substantially dismantled upon any public waters of this state. At any port in this state without the consent of the agency having jurisdiction thereof. Docked or grounded at or beached upon the property of another without the consent of the owner of the property.

Once a vessel has been determined "derelict" by local Law Enforcement, they attempt to locate the vessels owner.  If found, Officers begin working the case through the Court system.  If an owner is not found the Officers proceed with the removal process. 

In the Past four years, Collier County has received over $174,000 in Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC), Florida Boating Improvement Program (FBIP) grant funds.  Collier County has supplied $25,000 cash match for these grants.  This funding has removed 44 vessels from the County's waters.

Within the last year Collier County has partnered with the Collier County Sheriff's Office Dive Team, Florida Fish and Wildlife, County Road and Bridge and Waste Management to remove derelict vessels "in-house."  This partnership has removed six vessels and has saved the County over $18,000. 

Please click the link below for a map of the derelict vessels that have been remove throughout Collier County.

http://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=9f2ead78367a40808cf5177b5b0323a7