Safety / Enforcement

Police boat sailing on the Intracoastal Waterway
The City of Boca Raton Police Services Department has a dedicated Marine Unit, which patrols the waters of the City of Boca Raton, and enforces Local, State and Federal ordinances, regulations and laws. This Unit has boats and jet skis for patrolling all waterways, no matter how small or shallow. Because Boca Raton is a coastal community surrounded by water, the Police Services Department also has a very highly trained and capable Professional Dive Team, which can respond to incidents underwater.

Palm Beach Sheriff's Department


The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department has a Marine Unit which also patrols the waterways of the City of Boca Raton and all of Palm Beach County. Please visit their website for more information.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission


The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission formally known as the Florida Marine Patrol also provides approximately 20 officers to Palm Beach County. These officers are assigned to Marine and Land duties but patrols in Boca Raton from time to time. Please visit their website for more information. This agency is responsible for setting Boating Safety Zones which is set by the Law Enforcement Division and Manatee Protection Zones which is set by the Endangered Species Division

Coast Guard Patrols


The United States Coast Guard provides patrols through the area from time to time. The local agencies coordinate search and rescue, drug enforcement, and security efforts with U.S.C.G. Their resources include small to large boats, helicopters, jets and other aircraft. Please visit the United States Coast Guard website for more information.

Unnecessary Bridge Openings


The City of Boca Raton drawbridges compete with motorized vehicular traffic. This issue has created a need for all boaters to become familiar with their clearance requirements and to remember when approaching a bridge to lower all non-fixed appendages such as outriggers, antennas, canopies, etc.
A small motorboat going under a drawbridge nearly in the "down" position.