Skip to main content
     Search our site Browse Services

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 zone requirements:

  • The swim area is designated as a boating-restricted zone for public safety and is marked by buoys.
  • The new requirements prohibit vessels and vessel operation 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

2026 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!

Share an Idea Attend a Meeting

Anticipated Timeline

Anticipated timeline

Attend a Meeting
(Information is Subject to Change)

Event Date, Time & Location Details & Resources
3rd & 4th EPD
Community Stakeholder Meetings
Online via Webex 		June 18, 2026
at 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Online via Webex
Orange County Facilities Management,
2010 E Michigan St.,
Orlando, Florida 32806,
Training Rooms 		9:30 a.m.
Webex Link
Meeting number (access code): 2331 811 1261
Meeting password: Go2meeting

5:30 p.m.
Webex Link
Meeting number (access code): 2330 748 7116
Meeting password: Go2meeting
Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) Work Session July 29, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.
Orange County EPD,
3165 McCrory Place,
Suite 200,
Orlando Fl 32803,
Panther Training Rooms I and II 		County Calendar - Event Details
BCC Work Session September 15, 2026
Commission Chambers,
201 S. Rosalind Avenue,
1st Floor,
Orlando Fl 32801 		County Calendar - Event Details
Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) Public Hearing September 30, 2026
Orange County EPD,
3165 McCrory Place,
Suite 200,
Orlando Fl 32803,
Panther Training Rooms I and II 		County Calendar - Event Details
BCC Public Hearing October 13, 2026
Commission Chambers,
201 S. Rosalind Avenue,
1st Floor,
Orlando Fl 32801 		County Calendar - Event Details