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Chapter 8 is Orange County's Boats & Water Safety Code that outlines enforceable boating rules and regulations to protect the health, safety and general welfare of users of waterways of the County. Chapter 8 ordinance revisions include two distinct phases, as follows:

  • Phase I is complete and is intended to address safety, natural resource and wildlife issues at Egret Island. A new swim area/vessel exclusion (SAVE) zone was designated at Egret Island to address these concerns.
  • Phase II is underway and will bring Chapter 8 up to date with current state statute requirements for existing and proposed boating safety zones throughout the County.
Tree line next to body of water

Phase I - Egret Island's SAVE Zone:
Know Before You Go

In order to improve public safety and reduce natural resource and wildlife impacts, a new Swim Area & Vessel Exclusion (SAVE) zone has been created on Egret "Bird" Island on Lake Butler.

If you plan to visit the area, please abide by these SAVE guidelines:

  • The swim area is designated as a boating-restricted zone for public safety and is marked by buoys.
  • The new guidelines prohibit vessels, vessel operation, mooring, and anchor line presence within the designated swim area.
  • A vessel is defined as any type of motorized or non-motorized watercraft.
  • Damaging, altering, moving, mooring or fastening to the buoys is prohibited.
  • Swimmers should remain in the water and not visit Egret "Bird" Island.
  • For general questions about the SAVE zone, contact Lakes@ocfl.net.
  • To reach Orange County Sheriff’s Office, contact 911 in the case of an emergency and 407-836-HELP for non-emergencies.
Image of bouy in a lake


Phase II - Building a Better Code

2023 will be an eventful year for Orange County as we make changes to the Boats & Water Safety Ordinance. Here’s what we hope to achieve in Phase II:

  • Add existing and proposed boating safety zones (no wake/idle speed zones)
  • Achieve compliance with FWC Uniform Waterway Marker Permit
  • Delete language preempted by State Statute
  • Avoid inconsistencies with Florida Statute 327
Tree line next to body of water

We Want To Hear From You!

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Anticipated Timeline

Anticipated timeline

Attend a Meeting
(Information is Subject to Change)

Event Date, Time & Location Details & Resources
Environmental Protection Commission
Public Hearing 		March 29, 2023 at 8:30 a.m.
Orange County EPD,
3165 McCrory Place,
Suite 200, Orlando Fl 32803,
Panther Training Rooms I and II 		Completed, find meeting
documents on the 
County Calendar