Boaters cruising Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway will face new speed rules in 2026 after the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a year-round slow-speed, minimum-wake zone on a busy stretch of the waterway. The updated zone covers the area between the Oakland Park Boulevard Bridge and the Sunrise Boulevard Bridge, just west of Fort Lauderdale Beach.
FWC Approves Year-Round Slow-Speed Zone on Fort Lauderdale ICW
The newly approved rule establishes a year-round slow-speed, minimum-wake requirement through the full stretch between the two bridges. This replaces the previous seasonal setup and is intended to make the rules more consistent for boaters navigating one of the area’s busiest corridors.
What the New Restrictions Mean for Boaters
Under the new rule, vessels must maintain slow speed with minimum wake throughout the entire zone. Slow speed is typically understood as roughly 5 to 9 mph with minimum wake, depending on vessel type and conditions.
The change links two existing idle-speed zones and creates a more uniform rule in an area that has historically seen mixed traffic patterns and unpredictable speeds.
Why the Change Was Made
Officials say this section of the ICW has become one of South Florida’s most heavily trafficked boating routes, with a high mix of boats and personal watercraft. The year-round slow-speed zone is intended to reduce collision risks, reduce wakes, and give operators more time to react in tight or congested conditions.
The goal is improved safety for everyone on the water, including boaters, personal watercraft riders, kayakers, paddleboarders, and shoreline residents.
Local Safety Concerns and Community Input
The move also follows heightened safety concerns after a tragic personal watercraft accident in the area in 2025, when a teenager was killed in a crash on the Intracoastal Waterway. City leaders and first responders have pushed for stronger speed control to help prevent future incidents and reduce risks to waterfront properties.
Implementation and Enforcement Plans
By mid-January 2026, new signage will be installed to clearly mark the area as a slow-speed, minimum-wake zone. For the first 30 days after implementation, enforcement is expected to focus on education and warnings rather than fines, giving boaters time to adjust before stricter enforcement begins.
What Boaters Should Do Now
If you regularly run this stretch of the ICW, start planning now to slow down, watch for the new markers, and stay alert for changing traffic conditions. Once the new zone is active, follow posted restrictions and operate with extra caution in congested areas.
Local officials are emphasizing that these changes are intended to protect lives, property, and the waterways that make Fort Lauderdale a top boating destination.
