There is much misinformation about Florida and the use of her waters. My suggestion is that you make use of Boat US and the info they provide such as
http://www.boatus.com/gov/assets/pdf/fwc-2016-anchoring-and-mooring-report.pdf.
I anchored in every state starting at MM 0.0 in Portsmouth VA all the way down into the Florida Keys in the winter of 2014 - 2015. I dropped the hook across from the City Docks in Fernandina Beach FL, used a free City Dock at Jacksonville at the intersection of the ICW and St John's River just before Sisters Creek Boat Ramp, in St Augustine, in Daytona Beach, in Port Canaveral, in the Indian River, in North Palm Beach and in Biscayne Bay. I had absolutely ZERO problem doing so. Since then, I have anchored all over Charlotte Harbor, in St James City, Ft Meyers Beach, in Marco Island, in Key West, in The Marquesas, Dry Tortugas, Englewood, Venice, Sarasota, St Petersburg and have had NO problem at all. I'm not certain where all the misinformation comes from, but there is an ample supply of it. Educate yourself, follow the regulations and come enjoy Florida.
Map tech Embassy Guide Chesapeake Bay to Florida - 6th Ed.
Map tech Embassy Guide Florida & the Bahamas - 6th Ed.
These were invaluable guides, they provided anchorages, ships supplies stores, restocking locations for various supermarkets and distances from landfall locations, dinghy dock locations, marinas, historical locations, bars, restaurants, etc. $40.00. They are interfaced with Maptech Charts also.
