Navigation
Navigation Notices
Notice #1
The S-135 Boat Lock on Lake Okeechobee at the J&S Fish Camp in Martin County is temporarily closed to navigation for repairs until further notice. The boat lock will re-open as soon as possible.
Notice #2
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is changing the operating schedule of the S-310 Boat Lock in Clewiston. Starting at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, the boat lock will remain open to navigation from both the landside and the lakeside 24 hours a day until further notice. This means that boaters will not need to use the lock to pass through the structure. The public can get the latest navigation updates from the SFWMD by signing up for text messages and emails here. Anglers and boaters may access local waterways from several access points through public boat ramps. Visit FWC’s Boat Ramp Finder to find one near you.
Notice #3
If you are heading out on the water this winter, remember to exercise caution and always follow these important boating safety guidelines:
- Wear a life jacket while on the water.
- Pay close attention to your surroundings.
- Closely follow posted signage in 'no wake' and 'slow speed' zones.
- Report emergencies and accidents to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or call *FWC or #FWC.
- Have a Float Plan. Let friends and family know where you are going and when you will return.
- Have a designated operator and never boat under the influence.
- Watch the weather and check the forecast regularly.
The SFWMD’s Water Management Infrastructure Brochure features a detailed map of the regional water management system in Central and Southern Florida, along with key information about navigational locks, including hours of operation. The brochure also provides step-by-step instructions on how to navigate a lock.
The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee offer some of the best boating and fishing opportunities in Central and South Florida. Navigation locks throughout this interconnected system ensure that it is accessible by the public for recreation.
Along the route, there are 11 locks maintained by the South Florida Water Management District and five maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
It takes about 15 minutes to lock through most structures. This service is free to boaters locking through during normal operating hours.
Navigation Lock Types
SFWMD Navigation Locks on Lake Okeechobee
The District operates five locks on the north shore of Lake Okeechobee and one (S-310) on the south shore near Clewiston. Below are normal operating hours for each lock.
| Lock Number | Location | County | Hours |
| S-135 | J&S Fish Camp | Martin | Oct. 1 - April 30: 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. May 1 - Sept. 30: 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| G-36 | Henry Creek | Okeechobee | Oct. 1 - April 30: 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 1 - Sept. 30: 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| S-193 | Taylor Creek | Okeechobee | Dec. 1 - April 30: 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. May 1 - Nov. 30: 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 4: 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| S-127 | Buckhead Ridge | Glades | Oct. 1 - April 30: 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 1 - Sept. 30: 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| S-131 | Lakeport | Glades | Oct. 1 - April 30: 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 1 - Sept. 30: 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| S-310 | Clewiston | Hendry | Oct. 1 - April 30: 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 1 - Sept. 30: 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
SFWMD Water Management Infrastructure Brochure Map
The SFWMD’s Water Management Infrastructure Brochure features a detailed map of the regional water management system in Central and Southern Florida, along with key information about navigational locks. To request a printed copy, visit us at our Headquarters Complex in West Palm Beach at 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 or at one of our field locations.
A map with lock locations on Lake Okeechobee and instructions on how to move through the locks are in the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail & Okeechobee Waterway brochure. Use Frequency 16 on Lake Okeechobee for boating emergencies only.
Contacts:
- For SFWMD lock operations, contact Advanced Lock Tender Division, LLC at (863) 532-8042.
For more information:
SFWMD Navigation Locks on the Kissimmee Waterway
All SFWMD locks on the Kissimmee River and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes are operated from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. on weekdays year-round. Hours of operation on weekends are from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from March 1 through Oct. 31 and 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from Nov. 1 through Feb. 28.
- S-65E at Kissimmee River, Okeechobee/Glades County
- S-65D in Okeechobee/Highlands County
- S-65A in Osceola/Polk County
- S-65 on Lake Kissimmee in Osceola/Polk County
- S-61 on Cypress Lake and Lake Tohopekaliga in Osceola County
SFWMD Water Management Infrastructure Brochure Map
The SFWMD’s Water Management Infrastructure Brochure features a detailed map of the regional water management system in Central and Southern Florida, along with key information about navigational locks. To request a printed copy, visit us at our Headquarters Complex in West Palm Beach at 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 or at one of our field locations.
A map with lock locations is in the Guide to the Kissimmee Waterway brochure.
Contacts:
- For SFWMD lock operations, contact Advanced Lock Tender Division, LLC at (863) 532-8042.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Navigation Locks on the Okeechobee Waterway
The Okeechobee Waterway stretches 154 miles from the Atlantic Ocean at Stuart to the Gulf of Mexico at Fort Myers. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates these five navigation locks on the waterway:
- S-77, S-78 and S-79, Fort Myers to Moore Haven, Caloosahatchee River
- S-80 and S-308, Port Mayaca to Stuart, St. Lucie River
The Corps posts information about Okeechobee Waterway navigation locks on its website. Navigation notices from the Corps are also available online.
Contacts:
- For information about the Okeechobee Waterway, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Florida Operations Office, at (863) 983-8101.