Squatting is no longer limited to land or vacant homes. Across the U.S., squatters are moving into abandoned or privately owned boats, creating legal, environmental, and financial headaches for marinas, harbormasters, and boat owners. Known as “liveaboard squatters,” these individuals often anchor in public waterways, tie up to docks without paying fees, or occupy vessels that appear abandoned. Removing squatters is complicated, as maritime law differs significantly from land-based trespassing law.
Why Boats Attract Squatters
Squatters occupy boats for several reasons:
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Free shelter in expensive coastal areas
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Loopholes in maritime law that delay removal
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Access to waterfront living without paying dock or slip fees
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Storm-damaged or abandoned boats left unattended
Unlike land, where police can often remove trespassers, the legal process for boat squatters requires navigating overlapping state, federal, and maritime jurisdictions.
States With the Most Boat Squatting
The issue is concentrated in coastal and boating-heavy states. Florida, California, Washington, Oregon, New York, and Hawaii are among the most affected, along with Great Lakes states like Michigan.
| State | Common Locations | Key Issues | Enforcement Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Keys | Derelict hurricane boats, liveaboards | Costly removal, legal claims by squatters |
| California | San Francisco Bay, Oakland Estuary, LA Harbors | High dock fees, old sailboats | Limited patrol resources |
| Washington | Seattle & Puget Sound | Squatted houseboats, abandoned fishing boats | Navigation hazards |
| Oregon | Portland’s Willamette River | Derelict riverboats | Overlapping authority |
| New York | NYC harbors, Long Island | Seasonal boats, high marina fees | Complex maritime eviction |
| Michigan | Detroit River, Great Lakes | Industrial decline left vessels unused | Marinas lack authority |
| Hawaii | Honolulu, Maui bays | High demand, limited dock space | Illegal anchoring, re-entry |
| Louisiana | New Orleans waterfront | Storm-damaged vessels | Salvage claims |
Legal Framework: How to Remove Squatters From Boats
Removing squatters from boats is far more complex than evicting squatters from houses. It usually requires a combination of state derelict vessel laws, maritime salvage laws, and civil eviction proceedings.
1. Establish Ownership
The first step is proving ownership of the vessel. If a squatter occupies a boat that is truly abandoned and unregistered, the state may classify it as a derelict vessel, subject to removal. If the owner can prove registration, insurance, or title, the squatter cannot claim rights under adverse possession like they might on land.
2. File Trespass or Unlawful Boarding Claims
Some states, such as Florida, allow owners to file trespassing charges against individuals unlawfully boarding a boat. However, law enforcement usually requires clear proof that the vessel is occupied without consent. Unlike a house, boats often require coordination with marine patrol or coast guard units.
3. Use Derelict Vessel Statutes
Many states have derelict vessel programs:
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Florida FWC Derelict Vessel Program: Authorizes removal and destruction of vessels deemed unsafe, abandoned, or illegally anchored.
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California Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Program: Provides grants to municipalities to remove squatters and sunken boats.
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Washington’s Derelict Vessel Removal Program: Allows the state to impound and auction boats.
If a squatted boat meets the legal definition of “derelict” or “abandoned,” the state can seize it. Squatters typically have no legal standing to stop removal.
4. Eviction Process in Marinas
If squatters dock at a private marina or harbor slip, the marina must usually file an unlawful detainer action (similar to landlord-tenant eviction). Courts may require notice to be posted on the vessel. Once granted, law enforcement or the harbor master can seize and remove the squatter.
5. Salvage and Maritime Liens
Some squatters claim salvage rights, arguing they are maintaining or restoring an abandoned vessel. Under maritime law, a salvor can claim compensation, but this does not transfer ownership. Courts typically reject squatters’ claims if the true owner presents valid registration. However, these arguments can delay eviction proceedings for months.
6. Environmental Enforcement
When squatted boats leak sewage, oil, or debris, the EPA or state environmental agencies can classify the vessel as a hazard. This often accelerates removal since environmental law overrides squatter claims. Agencies can seize and destroy boats under pollution control statutes.
7. Coast Guard and Harbor Patrol Authority
If squatters anchor illegally in navigable waterways, the U.S. Coast Guard or harbor patrol can tow and impound the vessel. This bypasses lengthy court eviction proceedings, though costs are often billed to the owner or municipality.
Key Legal Challenges
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High costs: Towing and destroying boats can exceed $20,000.
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Re-entry: Squatters sometimes return after removal, occupying the same or another vessel.
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Jurisdiction overlap: Federal, state, and local agencies dispute who pays and who enforces.
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Slow courts: Civil eviction cases for marina squatters can drag on for months.
Risks to Owners and Communities
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Liability lawsuits: If squatters are injured on board, owners may face claims.
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Insurance disputes: Insurers often deny coverage for squatter-related damage.
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Environmental fines: Owners may be fined if squatters dump sewage or fuel.
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Lost property value: Marinas with squatting problems deter paying customers.
Preventative Measures
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Regular inspections of moored boats
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Quick reporting of suspicious occupants to harbor patrol
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Up-to-date registration to prevent “abandonment” claims
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Marina contracts that allow rapid eviction for non-payment
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Securing boats with locks and surveillance
International Comparisons
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UK: Squatters often occupy old barges and canal boats; removal requires civil courts.
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Netherlands: Houseboat squatting was once common in Amsterdam, leading to special anti-squatting laws.
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Asia: Fishing vessels are frequently occupied by squatters in the Philippines and Indonesia, often tolerated due to poverty.
Boat Squatter Laws & Removal Paths by State (Owner Playbook)
Legend (Typical Removal Path):
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DVR = Derelict Vessel Removal (agency impound/abate)
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UD = Unlawful Detainer (marina slip/contract eviction through court)
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LE = Law-enforcement trespass/illegal anchoring removal (harbor patrol/CG assist)
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ENV = Environmental/pollution abatement (accelerated removal if discharge/hazard)
| State | Derelict Vessel Program | Lead Authority (Typical) | Typical Removal Path | Special Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | Marine Police / ADCNR | LE → DVR → ENV | Rivers/lakes focus; coordinate with county sheriff on trespass. |
| Alaska | Yes | Dept. of Natural Resources / Harbormasters | LE → DVR | Local harbor ordinances are strong; winterization hazards expedite. |
| Arizona | Partial (inland) | Game & Fish / State Lands | LE → UD → ENV | Lake/river anchoring rules; marinas rely on contract + sheriff. |
| Arkansas | Yes (inland) | Game & Fish / Environmental Quality | LE → DVR | Inland impounds common; proof of ownership speeds action. |
| California | Yes (robust) | State Lands Commission / DBW / Local Harbors | LE → DVR → ENV; UD for slips | Strong abatement grants; illegal anchoring and pollution fast-track. |
| Colorado | Yes (inland) | Parks & Wildlife / Local Sheriff | LE → DVR → UD | Reservoir rules; written berth contracts matter. |
| Connecticut | Yes | DEEP / Harbormasters | LE → DVR; UD at marinas | Mooring permit violations often decisive. |
| Delaware | Yes | DNREC / Fish & Wildlife | LE → DVR | Tidal areas: swift action on illegal moorings. |
| Florida | Yes (very robust) | FWC / Local Marine Units | LE → DVR → ENV; UD for slips | Extensive derelict vessel statutes; hurricane debris programs. |
| Georgia | Yes | DNR Law Enforcement | LE → DVR; UD in private marinas | Mooring/anchoring limits enforced in tidal waters. |
| Hawaii | Yes | DLNR / Harbors Division | LE → DVR → ENV | Limited moorage; illegal re-entry—use trespass orders. |
| Idaho | Yes (inland) | Parks & Recreation / County Sheriff | LE → DVR | Lakeside counties hold key authority. |
| Illinois | Yes (inland) | DNR / Local Police | LE → DVR; UD in marinas | Great Lakes/Chicago harbors: permit rules matter. |
| Indiana | Yes (inland) | DNR / Local Sheriff | LE → DVR | Trespass and neglected craft rules used in practice. |
| Iowa | Yes (inland) | DNR | LE → DVR | River flooding relocations create hazards → ENV fast-track. |
| Kansas | Yes (inland) | Wildlife, Parks & Tourism | LE → DVR | Reservoir harbors rely on contract + badge checks. |
| Kentucky | Yes (inland) | Fish & Wildlife / State Parks | LE → DVR | Houseboat culture areas: verify titles promptly. |
| Louisiana | Yes | Wildlife & Fisheries / Harbormasters | LE → DVR → ENV | Post-storm derelicts common; salvage claims arise—document ownership. |
| Maine | Yes | Dept. Marine Resources / Harbormasters | LE → DVR | Harbormaster notices/placards crucial; winter hazards expedite. |
| Maryland | Yes | Natural Resources Police | LE → DVR → ENV | Chesapeake anchoring rules; liens rarely transfer title. |
| Massachusetts | Yes | DEP / Harbormasters | LE → DVR; UD in slips | Mooring permits + municipal bylaws are decisive tools. |
| Michigan | Yes | DNR / Local PD | LE → DVR; UD at marinas | Great Lakes: ice damage risk supports hazard abatement. |
| Minnesota | Yes (inland) | DNR / County Sheriff | LE → DVR | Lakes/river houseboats: registration checks first. |
| Mississippi | Yes | Dept. Marine Resources | LE → DVR | Coastal counties coordinate closely with sheriffs. |
| Missouri | Yes (inland) | State Water Patrol | LE → DVR; UD if contracted | Lake of the Ozarks: marina contracts + swift UD. |
| Montana | Yes (inland) | FWP | LE → DVR | Small-craft focus; pollution triggers ENV. |
| Nebraska | Yes (inland) | Game & Parks | LE → DVR | Reservoir emphasis; few houseboats. |
| Nevada | Yes (inland) | NDOW / State Lands | LE → DVR → UD | Lake Mead/ Tahoe: federal overlays; coordinate NPS if applicable. |
| New Hampshire | Yes | Marine Patrol / DES | LE → DVR | Mooring violations lead; winter storm risk supports action. |
| New Jersey | Yes | State Police Marine / DEP | LE → DVR; UD for slips | Abandoned coastal craft addressed via impound. |
| New Mexico | Yes (inland) | State Parks | LE → DVR | Reservoir harbors; documentation is key. |
| New York | Yes | NYS Parks Marine / DEC / Harbormasters | LE → DVR → ENV; UD | NYC/Long Island: tight mooring control, environmental leverage. |
| North Carolina | Yes | Wildlife Resources Comm. / DNR | LE → DVR | Coastal hazard + hurricane debris programs. |
| North Dakota | Yes (inland) | Game & Fish | LE → DVR | Few cases; trespass and safety grounds prevail. |
| Ohio | Yes | DNR Division of Parks & Watercraft | LE → DVR; UD in marinas | Lake Erie harbors: permit and contract enforcement. |
| Oklahoma | Yes (inland) | Dept. of Public Safety / Tourism | LE → DVR | Reservoirs: sheriff assists on removals. |
| Oregon | Yes | State Marine Board / DSL | LE → DVR → ENV | River encampments; DSL permits govern anchoring. |
| Pennsylvania | Yes (inland) | Fish & Boat Commission | LE → DVR; UD | Rivers/industrial canals: hazard abatement common. |
| Rhode Island | Yes | DEM / Harbormasters | LE → DVR | Tight mooring fields; placard/notice process important. |
| South Carolina | Yes | DNR Law Enforcement | LE → DVR | Tidal creeks: illegal anchoring targeted. |
| South Dakota | Yes (inland) | Game, Fish & Parks | LE → DVR | Seasonal abandonment rare but handled via impound. |
| Tennessee | Yes (inland) | TWRA | LE → DVR; UD in slips | River marinas rely on strong berth contracts. |
| Texas | Yes | TPWD / Local Harbormasters | LE → DVR → ENV; UD | Gulf shrimp boats often derelict; pollution accelerates. |
| Utah | Yes (inland) | State Parks | LE → DVR | Great Salt Lake/ reservoirs; verify HIN/registration. |
| Vermont | Yes | State Police Marine / ANR | LE → DVR | Mooring/permit revocations prompt removal. |
| Virginia | Yes | VMRC / Marine Police | LE → DVR; UD | Tidewater rules; lien claims don’t defeat title. |
| Washington | Yes (robust) | DNR Derelict Vessel Program | LE → DVR → ENV; UD | Strong impound/auction authority; pollution triggers speed. |
| West Virginia | Yes (inland) | DNR / Local Sheriff | LE → DVR | River craft; environmental discharge is key lever. |
| Wisconsin | Yes | DNR / Local PD | LE → DVR; UD | Great Lakes & inland lakes; winterization hazards. |
| Wyoming | Yes (inland) | Game & Fish / State Parks | LE → DVR | Sparse cases; follow impound protocol. |
| District of Columbia | Yes | Harbor Patrol / DOEE | LE → DVR → UD | Anacostia/Potomac moorings closely controlled. |
| Puerto Rico* | Yes | DNER / USCG coordination | LE → DVR → ENV | Storm derelicts; federal overlays significant. |
*Included as a helpful U.S. territory reference for coastal readers.
How to Use This Table (Removal Checklist)
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Identify status & location: Private slip (UD route) vs. public waterway (LE/DVR).
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Prove ownership: Registration/title/HIN photos; log prior notices.
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Serve notice: Post conspicuous vessel notice + send to last known address if any.
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Call the right unit: Harbor patrol/marine police first; loop in state derelict-vessel office.
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Document hazards: Fuel sheen, sewage, fire risks → invoke ENV fast-track.
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Prepare for re-entry: Request trespass order; change locks/secure mooring.
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Recover costs: Ask agency about cost-recovery liens after impound/auction.
Owner & Marina Playbook Tips
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Keep berth/lease contracts with clear default + immediate termination for non-payment/illegal occupancy.
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Post harbor rules (mooring/anchoring time limits) and enforce uniformly.
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Maintain photo/video logs of condition, placards, and hazards.
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Coordinate early with harbormaster + state derelict-vessel coordinator—they unlock funding and tow/abatement resources.
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When squatters claim “salvage rights” or maritime liens, respond with proof of title/registration and contact the state’s derelict program; salvage does not transfer ownership.
