Garden Key

• Location: Fort Jefferson
• Mile Marker: 68.9 Miles West of Key West
• Lat / Lon: N 24° 37.506' / W 082° 52.283'
• Depth: 15-20 Feet
• Description:

  The best anchorage is found in front (to the east) of the deteriorated steamship docks at Garden Key's southern end. There is variable holding here in 15 to 20 feet MLW. Be careful outside the channel as charted depths are about 1 foot MLW. In this relatively confined and exposed area there are almost always at least half a dozen boats and often more than twice that number during a blow. Park regulations restrict overnight anchoring to within 1 mile of Garden Key Harbor Light.

  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: Before committing to an anchorage, you should confirm that the location is not governed by a regulation that may conflict with your plans. An increasing number of states and municipalities are enacting laws that define where and how long you may anchor.