Prohibition of Nonwater-dependent Floating Structures
 “Nonwater-dependent floating structure" means a waterborne structure that is supported wholly or partially by the structure's own buoyancy and that supports a nonwater-dependent use, including a floating home.
Prohibition:
- A new law, effective September 24, 2025, prohibits the use or placement of nonwater-dependent floating structures (NWFS) in, on, or over inland or coastal waters.
- Great Ponds and coastal waters in the State of Maine are held in public trust for all people to use, with the primary focus of fishing, fowling, navigation and, to some degree, recreation.
- These structures, including but not limited to floating camps, restaurants, hotels, and billboards pose legal and philosophical use issues for Maine’s waterfront communities and State regulatory authorities.
- If you have received a mailed letter from Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, you must submit a photo of your vessel by 12/31/2025; if you fail to do so, you cannot register and may be prohibited from using your NWFS on Maine waters.
- If you believe you have a vessel that may fit the NWFS definition, please contact Angie Dionne via email at [email protected] for review.
- Any vessel identified to be a NWFS may qualify for a Submerged Land’s lease, but all applications must be submitted prior to 1/1/2026.
If you have questions, please contact Angie Dionne, MDIFW Licensing Director, at [email protected].
For questions regarding Submerged Lands Leases, please contact Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry's Submerged Lands Program:
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