Winter Manatee Zones Start November 15 in Broward and Palm Beach

Seasonal idle-speed manatee zones go into effect November 15 and run through March 31. Here is where they are and what the speed rules mean for boaters.

The seasonal zones return

Each fall, seasonal manatee protection zones go into effect in Broward and Palm Beach counties. The 2026-2027 season runs from November 15 to March 31. During this window, boats in designated areas must slow to idle speed, and in some zones the requirement holds year-round.

The zones are set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the FWC's manatee zone maps are the definitive source for exact boundaries.

FWC: Manatee zone maps

What idle speed means

Idle speed means the boat is fully off plane and fully settled in the water, moving at the slowest speed that keeps steerage.

In seasonal zones, the rule is idle speed from November 15 to March 31 and slow speed at other times of year. Slow speed means the boat is fully off plane but may move faster than idle.

Where the zones are

In Broward, manatee zones include idle-speed areas on the North New River Canal and South New River Canal.

In Palm Beach County, seasonal idle-speed zones run from November 15 to March 31 on parts of Lake Worth, and year-round idle-speed zones cover areas such as the Jupiter River and Lake Worth Creek. Boundaries vary by waterway, so check the map for your route.

Why the rules matter

Manatees move into warm-water areas in the cooler months, and boat strikes are a leading risk to them. Slowing down protects the animals and, in narrow canals, also protects docks and seawalls from wake damage.

The seasonal timing lines up with the months when manatees concentrate in the region's warm-water refuges.

Check the map before you go

Boundaries can be hard to read from the water, so review the FWC manatee zone map for your route before you head out and watch for posted signs.

Rules can change from year to year, so confirm the current season's zones each fall rather than relying on memory.

Getting help with your project

To request free resources about dredging, call (561) 299-1323 or email slselleck@gmail.com. Tell us about your dock, slip, or waterway and we will help you understand what it needs.

This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed for fair housing compliance.

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