§ 74-1. Definitions.

Unless the context clearly requires a different meaning or one is specifically set out herein, then the words and terms used herein are to be defined and applied as set forth in F.S. ch. 327, as may from time to time be amended. The definitions contained in this section shall apply throughout this chapter.

Boating-restricted area. An area of the waters of the county within which the operation of vessels is subject to specified restrictions or from which vessels are excluded.

County. Okeechobee County, Florida, a political subdivision of the State of Florida.

Idle speed/idle speed no wake. May be used interchangeably and mean that a vessel must proceed at a speed no greater than that which will maintain steerageway and headway. At no time is any vessel required to proceed so slowly that the operator is unable to maintain control over the vessel or any other vessel or object that it has under tow.

Operate. To be in charge of, or in command of, or in actual physical control of a vessel upon the waters of the county, or to exercise control over or to have responsibility for a vessel's navigation or safety while the vessel is underway upon the waters of the county, or to control or steer a vessel being towed by another vessel upon the waters of the county.

Operator. A person who operates a vessel.

Person. An individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity.

Regulatory marker. A device used to alert the operator to various regulatory matters such as horsepower, speed, wake, or entry restrictions in conformity with the Uniform State Waterway Marking System and the United States Aids to Navigation System, Part 62 of Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Slow speed/slow speed minimum wake. May be used interchangeably and mean that a vessel must be fully off plane and completely settled into the water. The vessel must then proceed at a speed that is reasonable and prudent under the prevailing circumstances so as to avoid the creation of an excessive wake or other hazardous condition that endangers or is likely to endanger other vessels or other persons using the waterway. At no time is any vessel required to proceed so slowly that the operator is unable to maintain control over the vessel or any other vessel or object that it has under tow.

Vessel. Synonymous with "boat" as referenced in s. 1(b), Art. VII, Florida Constitution, and includes every description of watercraft, barge, and airboat, whether driven by an outboard or inboard motor, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

Waters of the county/waterways of the county. May be used interchangeably and mean any navigable waters of the United States within the territorial limits of Okeechobee County and all inland lakes, rivers, and canals under the jurisdiction of the county.

Wake. When used in conjunction with a numerical size limit, means all changes in the vertical height of the water's surface caused by the passage of a vessel including, but not limited to, a vessel's bow wave, stern wake, and propeller wash, measured from the ambient tide level to the crest of the vessel's wake at a distance of not less than 25 feet from the vessel.

(Ord. No. 2017-0007, § 2, 12-12-17)