Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed HB 103 into law on July 1, 2025. For the first time, the PA Fish & Boat Code now carries firm legal definitions for what qualifies as an abandoned or derelict vessel — and the consequences of ignoring one on your property just got significantly steeper.
If you own property along the Lehigh River corridor, operate a marina, or simply have an old boat sitting on your land in Lehigh County, this law applies to you directly.
Why This Matters Right Now
Before HB 103, Pennsylvania had no unified standard for identifying or handling problem vessels. Local municipalities had limited authority, enforcement was inconsistent, and property owners often waited months — sometimes years — before facing any real pressure to act.
That changes now. Under HB 103, municipal officials across Lehigh County are authorized to tag vessels that appear abandoned or derelict. Once tagged, the registered owner has just 14 days to remove or address the vessel. Miss that window, and authorities can arrange removal at the owner’s expense — plus penalties.
For context, a similar framework was introduced in Florida, where derelict vessel enforcement reshaped how marina operators and waterfront landowners managed unwanted boats almost overnight. Pennsylvania is following the same path.
What Counts as Abandoned or Derelict?
HB 103 defines an abandoned vessel as any watercraft left without the owner’s consent on public or private property, or left on public waters in a condition suggesting the owner has surrendered interest in it. A derelict vessel is one that is sunk, grounded, or in a state of disrepair significant enough to pose a navigation hazard or environmental risk.
Both categories now carry legal teeth. A vessel doesn’t have to be floating to qualify — boats sitting on trailers, dry-stored on private lots, or beached along the Lehigh River can all fall under the new definitions if they meet the threshold conditions.
What Actually Happens During Removal
Once a vessel is tagged by a municipal official, the 14-day clock starts. During that window, the owner can arrange private removal — which is almost always the faster and less costly option compared to waiting for government-contracted removal.
Professional boat removal in Allentown, PA typically involves an initial site assessment, securing any necessary access permits for waterfront or landlocked locations, and coordinating the right equipment — whether that’s a crane, a flatbed, or a marine salvage rig for vessels still in the water.
Boats in poor structural condition require additional handling. Fuel, oil, and battery acid must be drained and disposed of properly before transport. Skipping these steps isn’t just an environmental risk — it’s a liability that can compound the penalties you’re already facing under HB 103.
Local Access and Disposal Considerations
Lehigh County presents some specific logistical challenges. Properties along the Lehigh River corridor often have limited vehicle access, and some sections near Allentown require coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers or local park authorities before heavy equipment can stage on-site.
Disposal is its own consideration. Fiberglass hulls can’t simply be dumped — most Pennsylvania landfills that accept boat hulls require pre-processing, and some materials must be separated for recycling. A qualified boat salvage service can often recover scrap metal value from engines, hardware, and frames, which can offset a portion of your removal cost.
If your vessel has any resaleable components, a professional team experienced in junk boat removal will identify those before the hull goes to disposal. It’s worth asking about this upfront — it can meaningfully reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
When to Call for Help
If you’ve received a municipal tag under HB 103, don’t wait to see what happens at day 15. Government-arranged removal is rarely the cheapest option, and you lose all control over the process, including any salvage value recovery.
Even if you haven’t been tagged yet but have a vessel on your property that could qualify as abandoned or derelict under the new definitions, acting proactively protects you from enforcement action before it starts. The law is new, enforcement infrastructure is being built out across Lehigh County, and early movers avoid the complications that come with official tagging.
Reach out to a licensed boat removal service in Allentown that understands Pennsylvania’s updated regulations. A professional team can assess your situation, handle all permitting, manage proper boat disposal, and get you clear of any liability — well within the 14-day window HB 103 allows.
