Waterways

Vessel operators are prohibited from anchoring, mooring, beaching or grounding a vessel within the Weeki Wachee River Springs Protection Zone. (F.S. 327.45) It encompasses 5.61 miles from Rogers Park to the headsprings in the state park. Violators are subject to a $140 fine. With limited exceptions, most tubes and rafts are not considered vessels under Florida law.

The springs protection zone is designed to protect the river’s ecology and does not alter the public access to the spring. It only regulates vessels, not the activities of people.

Activities like swimming, snorkeling and floating on a raft or tube are permitted.

Visitors are encouraged to use best practices to help protect the river such as not trampling vegetation, climbing on banks or trees, or discarding litter.