An official website of the State of Georgia.
This page provides clickable links to information concerning boating rules and regulations in the state of Georgia.
General Boating Information
| Attention Paddlers!
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Boating Handbook
Boating Laws
All boating laws are under O.C.G.A. Title 52, Chapter 7.
- Click here to access Boating State Laws
- Click here to access Boating Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia.
Marine Event Permit
Applications for marine events must be received by the Boating Law Administrator at least 30 days prior to the event.
Marine events with more than 10,000 participants and spectators must be received at least 90 days prior to the event.
The Event Coordinator must apply for the Marine Event Permit and submit to the Georgia DNR Region Law Enforcement Office in their area.
Click here for more information on Marine Event Permits.
Abandoned Vessels
The Georgia Abandoned Vessel process is intended for vessels that meet the statutory requirements for abandonment and is not a remedy for nonpayment of private contractual obligations.
Marinas, storage facilities, tow facilities, and other businesses holding vessels pursuant to a private contract may no longer utilize the Georgia Abandoned Vessel process solely because a customer has failed to pay fees or otherwise breached the terms of a contract. While these businesses have previously been permitted to utilize the process as a courtesy, a customer's failure to pay for storage, towing, dockage, or other services generally constitutes a civil contractual matter rather than an abandoned vessel.
However, vessels that come onto a marina, storage facility, tow facility, or other property without the property owner's consent or without an established contractual or service agreement may constitute abandoned vessels. Property owners or businesses encountering such vessels are encouraged to contact the appropriate Georgia DNR Law Enforcement office for guidance regarding the abandoned vessel process.
Businesses seeking recovery of unpaid fees or enforcement of contractual rights should pursue the appropriate civil remedies available to them.
Coastal Long-Term & Short-Term Anchoring
Georgia is home to more than 105 miles of coastal shoreline with outstanding opportunities for boating. In order to keep our coast healthy and vibrant, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has established regulations for overnight and long-term anchoring.
Click here for information on the Georgia Estuarine (Marine) Anchoring Law
Wakeboarding and Wakesurfing Law
In 2023, the Georgia General Assembly passed House Bill 121, bringing about changes in the regulations governing wakeboarding and wakesurfing activities on state waters.
Click here for information on the new Wakeboarding and Wakesurfing Law
Click here for a printable flyer on the new Wakeboarding and Wakesurfing Law
