β€œlook, but don’t touch” β€” observe manatees from the surface of the water and at a distance.

Such interactions can make manatees lose their natural fear of humans and boats, increasing the risk of boat collisions.

Do not enter designated manatee sanctuaries for any reason.

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Don't get in the way of manatee research or rescue activities.

You won't get penalized if a manatee touches you and it's highly unlikely it will hurt you, but you should move away from it as soon and as carefully as you can.

It’s a very specific law.

Touching a manatee is punishable under the manatee sanctuary act, with a fine of up to $500 and/or a jail term of up to 60 days.

It's a 500$ fine and or 6 months in jail.

The rules are strict in homosassa, and the protection of the resident manatees is taken very seriously.

It is illegal to touch, feed, harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, annoy or molest manatees.

It's a 500$ fine and or 6 months in jail.

The rules are strict in homosassa, and the protection of the resident manatees is taken very seriously.

It is illegal to touch, feed, harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, annoy or molest manatees.

If you see manatees while swimming, diving, or boating, please follow these suggestions:

Avoid excessive noise and splashing.

If a manatee approaches you it's advised to avoid contact.

How can manatees go such a long period of time without taking a breath?

It is legal to touch them with one (1) hand if the manatee approaches and initiates the touch, aka, comes and brushes against you for attention first.

What will i be charged with if i touch a manatee?

What happens if you touch a manatee?

No it is against the law to touch, feed, chase, give water to manatees.

Interacting with manatees, including touching them, can alter their natural behaviors.

If a manatee approaches you it's advised to avoid contact.

How can manatees go such a long period of time without taking a breath?

It is legal to touch them with one (1) hand if the manatee approaches and initiates the touch, aka, comes and brushes against you for attention first.

What will i be charged with if i touch a manatee?

What happens if you touch a manatee?

No it is against the law to touch, feed, chase, give water to manatees.

Interacting with manatees, including touching them, can alter their natural behaviors.

Two hands are illegal.

The marine mammal protection act of 1972 and the endangered species act of 1973 both make it illegal to harass, hunt, capture or kill any marine mammal, including manatees.

Look, but don't touch.

Why can’t manatees adapt well to cold water?

Don't interact with a belted or tagged manatee or touch any equipment attached to a manatee.

What happens if you touch a manatee?

No it is against the law to touch, feed, chase, give water to manatees.

Interacting with manatees, including touching them, can alter their natural behaviors.

Two hands are illegal.

The marine mammal protection act of 1972 and the endangered species act of 1973 both make it illegal to harass, hunt, capture or kill any marine mammal, including manatees.

Look, but don't touch.

Why can’t manatees adapt well to cold water?

Don't interact with a belted or tagged manatee or touch any equipment attached to a manatee.

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The marine mammal protection act of 1972 and the endangered species act of 1973 both make it illegal to harass, hunt, capture or kill any marine mammal, including manatees.

Look, but don't touch.

Why can’t manatees adapt well to cold water?

Don't interact with a belted or tagged manatee or touch any equipment attached to a manatee.