Newfound Harbor - Big Pine Key

• Location: Hawk Channel
• Mile Marker: Mile 1215
• Lat / Lon: N 24° 39.508' / W 081° 22.705'
• Depth: 7-9 Feet
• Description:

  On entry, give flashing red 2 a wide berth to starboard to avoid shoaling that extends about 100 yards south and west of this marker but don't go too far west as the channel has shoaled there as well.  All but shoal-draft boats anchor in the cross-bar of the "H" etched by the deeper channels in 7 to 8 feet MLW. Shoal-draft boats can anchor in 5 to 6-foot MLW depths just east of the main channel or in 4-foot depths near the channel entrance. Anchoring is not permitted in Pine Channel.

  NOTE: Per Florida Statute 327.4109

  The owner or operator of a vessel or floating structure may not anchor or moor such that the nearest approach of the anchored or moored vessel or floating structure is:

  1. Within 150 feet of any marina, boat ramp, boatyard, or other vessel launching or loading facility;
  2. Within 300 feet of a superyacht repair facility. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "superyacht repair facility" means a facility that services or repairs a yacht with a water line of 120 feet or more in length; or
  3. Within 100 feet outward from the marked boundary of a public mooring field or a lesser distance if approved by the commission upon request of a local government within which the mooring field is located. The commission may adopt rules to implement this subparagraph.

  DISCLAIMER: The laws and regulations governing anchoring in Florida waters are complex and everchanging. If you plan to anchor, whether overnight or for an extended period, you should confirm whether you are in compliance with local and state requirements before committing to a location. Two sources of information that may be helpful are the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida State Statutes.