Waterways Florida

These waterway traffic routes span the scale from canoe trails in shallow creeks, swamps and marshes up to government-maintained navigation channels for recreational yachts and commercial vessels in both fresh and marine waters. The purpose of this dataset is to provide general information to facilitate waterways management analysis and planning. This dataset does not depict every possible waterway traffic route upon Florida waters. Vessel traffic upon both coastal and interior waterways is not confined to marked channels and specific pathways. Vessel operators, especially with small recreational craft, are usually free to choose whatever navigational route their vessel is capable of travelling. This data set attempts to describe the major documented and identifiable traffic routes throughout Florida. It is recognized that numerous uncharted waterway traffic routes identifiable only through extensive local knowledge and intensive field observations are not included in this dataset. This dataset does not infer the appropriate types or sizes of vessels that could potentially use a specific waterway. This dataset does not infer the historic level of vessel traffic usage nor peak capacity of specific waterways. This dataset does not define navigable waters as described in federal and state law. Site specific analyses would be required to determine those qualities. This dataset is not warranted for completeness nor for accuracy. In no case shall this information be used for actual navigation. For all maritime navigation purposes, users are encouraged to consult appropriate up-to-date sources, such as official NOAA navigation charts.