MELBOURNE, Fla. (Oct. 25, 2026) — Florida's best-known slow swimmers are about to get some extra elbow room. Starting Nov. 15, stricter winter manatee protection zones take effect again in parts of Brevard County. Some waters close to boats entirely and others drop to idle speed through March 31, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) [1][2].
Why the rules change in winter
FWC says manatees spend the winter in Florida springs, power plant discharges and other warm-water sites. As the water warms each spring, they gradually spread out again into rivers, canals and nearshore waters [3]. The winter rules focus on the places where manatees gather when the water turns cold.
FWC adopts manatee protection rules under the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, Section 379.2431(2) of the Florida Statutes. The rules are in Chapter 68C-22 of the Florida Administrative Code. They can limit boat speeds and, in especially important areas, restrict or bar entry [4]. In its 2026 spring advisory, FWC said, "Boat strikes continue to be a major threat to Florida manatees" [3].
What changes on the Space Coast
FWC's current Brevard County zone maps are linked from its Data and Maps page. The maps say the zone layout is accurate as of April 2023 [1][2]. They show three zone types that change each winter [2]:
- No Entry, Nov. 15 to March 31, then Slow Speed from April 1 to Nov. 14
- Motorboats Prohibited, Nov. 15 to March 31, then Slow Speed from April 1 to Nov. 14
- Idle Speed, Nov. 15 to March 31, then Slow Speed from April 1 to Nov. 14
Many other Brevard zones stay Slow Speed all year. These include stretches of the Indian River between the State Road 402 and State Road 528 bridges and the Barge Canal. The maps also show a federal Manatee No Motor Zone at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge [2].
Seasonal dates differ by county, so boaters elsewhere should check FWC's county maps [1]. FWC says boaters must follow the regulatory signs posted on the water. Where several rules overlap, the most restrictive one applies [2][4].
Where to see them in Brevard
Brevard's manatee protections stretch across the county's waterways. They include the Indian River Lagoon, the Banana River and the Barge Canal [2]. State law specifically calls for year-round boat rules for manatees in Turkey Creek and nearby Indian River waters, and in Manatee Cove on the Banana River [5].
On land, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge has a Manatee Observation Deck. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) describes it as "a handicap accessible opportunity to view manatees in the wild" [6].
Farther afield, Blue Spring State Park in Orange City is another place to see them. Florida State Parks says researchers tracked 14 manatees in the spring run in 1970. Wintering numbers passed 200 by 2005 and reached a record 729 in 2023 [7]. The park's swimming season runs from April 1 to Nov. 14, and entry is $6 per vehicle [7].
Protected by state and federal law
Under the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, it is unlawful to "annoy, molest, harass, or disturb" any manatee, or to injure, harm, capture, pursue or kill one, whether on purpose or through negligence [5]. Manatees are also federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act [8].
USFWS reclassified the West Indian manatee, which includes the Florida manatee, from endangered to threatened. The change took effect May 5, 2017 [9]. USFWS says the species "is federally listed as a threatened species." It has proposed listing the Florida manatee separately, also as threatened [10]. USFWS also warns against feeding manatees or giving them fresh water. It says, "Never pursue, harass, or play with manatees. These actions are also illegal" [10].
FWC estimates the Florida manatee population at a minimum of 8,350 animals [8].
Use good judgment, and speak up
FWC and USFWS advise watching manatees from a distance and keeping an eye out for them below the surface. Polarized sunglasses can help you spot snouts and "footprints," the large circles on the water that show a manatee is below [3][10]. If you see someone harassing or harming a manatee, or find a distressed or dead manatee, report it to FWC's Wildlife Alert line at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922). You can also call #FWC or *FWC from a cellphone, or report online [8][11].
Sources
- FWC, "Manatee Data and Maps" (links current county zone maps): https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/data-and-maps/
- FWC, "Brevard County Manatee Protection Zones – Maps" (PDF, configuration as of April 2023): https://myfwc.com/media/7287/brevardmpz-maps.pdf
- FWC news release, Manatee Appreciation Day spring advisory (March 2026): https://myfwc.com/news/all-news/manatees-0326/
- FWC, "Manatee Protection Zones": https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/protection-zones/
- Florida Statutes, Section 379.2431 (Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, subsection 2): https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0379/Sections/0379.2431.html
- USFWS, "Wildlife watching at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge": https://www.fws.gov/refuge/merritt-island/visit-us/activities/wildlife-watching
- Florida State Parks, "Blue Spring State Park": https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park
- FWC, "Florida Manatee Program": https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/
- Federal Register, final rule reclassifying the West Indian manatee from endangered to threatened (April 5, 2017; effective May 5, 2017): https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/04/05/2017-06657/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-reclassification-of-the-west-indian-manatee-from
- USFWS, "12-month Finding on Two West Indian Manatee Petitions Frequently Asked Questions": https://www.fws.gov/question-answer/12-month-finding-two-west-indian-manatee-petitions-frequently-asked-questions
- FWC, "Wildlife Alert – Report a Violation": https://myfwc.com/contact/wildlife-alert/
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