The U.S. Coast Guard is moving to enhance security around Miami's Bayfront Park area in Biscayne Bay. It proposes a temporary security zone to safeguard the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and World Cup Fan Fest events. This regulatory action, detailed in a recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) under Docket Number USCG-2026-0212, aims to protect official parties, VIPs, and other participants. These protections address potential threats arising from easy waterfront access to event venues. If enacted, the zone would restrict maritime activities in a designated portion of the bay for approximately three weeks in June and July 2026.
Background to the Proposed Action
Miami is set to host a significant portion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the World Cup Fan Fest. These events will run from June 13 through July 5, 2026, primarily centered around Bayfront Park. These gatherings are anticipated to attract substantial crowds, including high-profile individuals and international delegations. The Captain of the Port (COTP) Miami has identified that the proximity of these venues to Biscayne Bay, coupled with easy waterborne access, presents a distinct security vulnerability. This concern prompted the Coast Guard to propose regulatory measures under its authority from 46 U.S.C. 70051 and 70124. These statutes empower the Coast Guard to establish security zones to prevent terrorism, sabotage, and other subversive acts. The goal is to ensure the safety of those attending federally significant events.
Details of the Proposed Security Zone
The proposed temporary security zone would encompass all navigable waters of Biscayne Bay, from the surface to the bottom. Specifically, the zone would cover an area beginning north of the Miami River Entrance, around Port Boulevard. It would follow coordinates that define a perimeter near Bayfront Park. This zone is intended to be in effect 24 hours a day, commencing at 6:00 a.m. on June 13, 2026. It will conclude at 6:00 a.m. on July 5, 2026.
Within this designated area, anchoring or remaining stationary would be strictly prohibited unless explicitly authorized by the COTP Miami or a designated representative. All vessels and persons transiting through the security zone would be required to maintain a steady speed. No stopping or slowing down is permitted except in cases of unforeseen mechanical failure or other genuine emergencies. In such emergency situations, affected parties must immediately notify the COTP Miami via VHF channel 16. Enforcement of the zone will be carried out by Coast Guard patrol boats and local law enforcement assets. These units will display flashing blue lights when the security zone is active. The Coast Guard also specifies that a "designated representative" includes Coast Guard coxswains, petty officers, or other officers operating Coast Guard vessels. It also includes federal, state, and local officers assisting the COTP in enforcement.
Regulatory Impact and Analysis
The Coast Guard has conducted several regulatory analyses regarding this proposed rule. Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, the agency certified that the rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This assessment is based on the limited geographical scope of the zone, its temporary nature of approximately 24 days, and the fact that vessel traffic can safely transit around the regulated area along the Intracoastal Waterway. The only restriction for vessels would be the inability to stop or anchor within the zone. Furthermore, the Coast Guard plans to notify the public through Local Notice to Mariners and Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF-FM marine radio channel 16 before the zone's activation.
Regarding information collection, the proposed rule is not expected to require new information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The Coast Guard also determined that the rule aligns with federalism principles outlined in Executive Order 13132. It has no tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, as it does not substantially affect Indian tribes or their relationship with the federal government. Similarly, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 was considered. The Coast Guard certified that the rule would not result in annual expenditures of $100,000,000 or more for state, local, tribal governments, or the private sector. Lastly, an environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) concluded that the proposed security zone falls under a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. A Record of Environmental Consideration is available in the docket.
Public Participation and Comment Period
The Coast Guard emphasizes the importance of public participation in the rulemaking process. It encourages all interested parties to submit comments and related materials. The comment period remains open until May 18, 2026. Submissions can be made online via the Federal eRulemaking Portal, regulations.gov, by searching for Docket Number USCG-2026-0212. The Coast Guard requests that comments specify the relevant section of the document and provide reasoning for any suggestions or recommendations. All comments, including any personal information provided, will be posted to the online docket. Anonymous comments are accepted.
