Keeping local waterways safe, accessible, and environmentally healthy

The Marine Safety Unit (MSU) under Code Enforcement is responsible for implementing a variety of marine environmental protection and boating vessel safety measures across Hillsborough County’s 246 square miles of water and 158 miles of shoreline. Partnering with local and state agencies and municipalities, MSU ensures local waterways remain safe, navigable, and enjoyable for residents and visitors by: 

  • Identifying and removing derelict vessels from waterways 
  • Removing debris and hazards to navigation 
  • Removing biowaste caused by red tide conditions 
  • Maintaining navigation and regulatory waterway markers 
  • Administrating speed control zones and manatee protection areas 
  • Proving emergency response to catastrophic oil spills and hazardous fluids to marine life and the waterways 
  • Offering continued support and assistance to boaters and watercraft users
  • Managing the County's Marine Exemption Permit Program
  • Overseeing the Marine Law Enforcement Citizens Advisory Committee
  • Providing marine safety-related financial assistance to fellow County agencies and local municipalities
  • Organizing boater safety events for County staff and the public

Contact

Department: Code Enforcement
Email: MarineSafetyTeam@hcfl.gov
Phone: (813) 675-3385

Article Image Caption: The Hillsborough County Marine Safety Unit assessing a derelict vessel in a local body of water.
Last Modified: 9/2/2026, 8:04:23 PM

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