Weeki Wachee River - Springs Protection Zone

Everything you need to know to help protect and enjoy the Weeki Wachee River

What is the "Springs Protection Zone"?

The springs protection zone is designed to protect the river’s ecology and does not alter the public access to the spring. It only regulates vessels, not the activities of people.

To summarize - Vessel (Boats, Kayaks, Paddle Boards, ETC) operators are prohibited from anchoring, mooring, beaching or grounding a vessel within the Weeki Wachee River Springs Protection Zone. (F.S. 327.45) It encompasses 5.61 miles from Rogers Park to the headsprings in the state park. Violators are subject to a $140 fine. With limited exceptions, most tubes and rafts are not considered vessels under Florida law.

Are you saying I can't swim in the river?

Activities like swimming, snorkeling and floating on a raft or tube are permitted.

Visitors are encouraged to use best practices to help protect the river such as not trampling vegetation, climbing on banks or trees, or discarding litter.

So what does this all mean?

If you plan to exit your vessel (Boats, Kayaks, Paddle Boards, ETC) while paddling down the main river, you will want to plan an appropriate place to exit your vessel. If you're planning on tying your vessel to a tree, or beaching it up on sand or land, you will be at risk of the $140 penalty If you are east of Rogers Park. These rules ONLY apply to the main river, not canals. Also be sure each vessel has a life jacket and whistle (we suggest tying the whistle to the jacked).

And most importantly, go have a blast!!