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West Palm Beach · Palm Beach County

What are the storm and debris rules in West Palm Beach?

48 hoursemergency-repair stay for live-aboards on Lake Worth

West Palm Beach bans live-aboard vessels from mooring or anchoring in the city's part of Lake Worth, except in marina districts or designated mooring areas, or for emergency repairs limited to 48 hours. Bulk and white goods should not be put out once a hurricane watch or warning is issued, and after a disaster debris removal in private communities is, as a general rule, the community's responsibility.

Source: City of West Palm Beach Code of Ordinances Secs. 54-291, 74-4, 74-39, 78-482 (Municode) · Verified 2026-10

The detail

Live-aboardsIt is unlawful to moor or anchor a live-aboard vessel in the waters of Lake Worth within the city, except in a marina zoning district or posted mooring area, or for the purpose of making emergency repairs but limited to a period of 48 hours - Code Sec. 54-291
Bulk goodsBulk goods and white goods should not be placed out for collection after a hurricane warning or watch has been issued or during a named storm - Sec. 74-4(b)(2)
Private communitiesAfter a disaster the city's primary mission is lives, services and public streets; as a general proposition, removal of debris from private residential communities is the responsibility of the private community, though the city may act on an immediate threat - Sec. 74-39(a)
Right-of-way workUpon a tropical storm warning or hurricane watch or warning, each contractor, individual or entity subject to the section must immediately begin securing the public rights-of-way and public property under the city's storm preparation procedures - Sec. 78-482(a)

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