A dock extends into
Biscayne Bay in Miami
Sovereignty Submerged Lands
Sovereignty submerged lands include, but are not limited to,
tidal lands, islands, sandbars, shallow banks and lands waterward of
the ordinary or mean high water line, beneath navigable fresh water
or beneath tidally-influenced waters.
The State of Florida acquired title to sovereignty submerged
lands on March 3, 1845, by virtue of statehood. Sovereignty
submerged lands include all submerged lands, title to which is held
by the Board of Trustees (Governor and Cabinet) of the Internal
Improvement Trust Fund.
Application processing for the use of sovereignty submerged lands
begins at either the DEP
District or Water
Management District Offices.
The Submerged Lands Section then prepares the
land leases and easements. This includes term renewals, modifications and
assignment to new upland owners.
Clean Marina Program is designed to bring awareness to
marine facilities and boaters regarding environmentally friendly
practices intended to protect and preserve Florida’s precious
natural environment. Marinas, boatyards and marine retailers receive
Clean designations by demonstrating a commitment to prescribed Best
Rules Governing Sovereignty Submerged Lands
The rules that govern sovereignty submerged lands include:
Penalties for violation of the above rules are found in
Rule 18-14, F.A.C. – Administrative Fines for Damaging State Lands
or Products Thereof.