FL S0840

Land surveyors must give preference to the prolongation-of-property-line method when establishing riparian rights boundaries for residential property owners along channels, unless doing so would inequitably apportion riparian rights among property owners.

Defines "channel" as a marked, buoyed, or artificially dredged channel, or if none exists, a space equal to 20 percent of the average river or stream width that provides the deepest water at ordinary low water.

Defines "prolongation-of-property-line method" as extending a property owner's boundary line into a waterbody at the same angles where it intersects the ordinary high watermark.

Exempts littoral waters such as lakes, oceans, and gulfs from the prolongation-of-property-line requirement and applies the provision only to riparian rights boundaries established after July 1, 2022.

Requires courts to award reasonable attorney fees and costs to the prevailing party in civil actions relating to riparian rights of residential dock owners when rights are exercised with appropriate environmental and regulatory approvals.