The City of Fort Lauderdale is excited to announce the formation of a new program that will help keep our waterways clean. On Tuesday, the Mayor and City Commissioners approved the purchase of a Sewage Pumpout Vessel with a grant through the Clean Vessel Act from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

With this grant, the City will provide a free on-demand or by appointment service sending its own vessel to other boats to empty their waste holding tanks. This will provide a safe and convenient way for boaters to get rid of their sewage waste and is aimed at reducing the amount of sewage that ends up with the City’s waterways.

“Pumping out sewage can be a dirty and difficult task and calling a service to do it for you can be expensive,” said City Manager Rickelle Williams. “We’re hoping that by making it easier and more convenient for boaters to empty their waste holding tanks, it will reduce the number of people discharging directly into the waterways leading to unsanitary conditions.”

“This is a huge asset as we work to keep our waterways clean,” said Marco Aguilera, the City’s Chief Waterways Officer. “We are removing any excuse for someone not to remove their waste appropriately. It’s free. It’s easy. You don’t even need to be there when the service is completed.”

The program is expected to launch in spring of 2026 with information available via the FixItFTL app or on the City’s website at fortlauderdale.gov.