DYK: Seasonal Boat Lock Changes Starting October 1, 2025

The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee offer some of the best boating and fishing opportunities in Central and South Florida.

DID YOU KNOW: Boat locks throughout this interconnected system ensure that it is accessible by the public for recreation.

EXPLORING INTERCONNECTED WATERWAYS: Locks allow for the water level to be controlled so that recreational and commercial boat traffic can safely pass from one side to the other. The purpose of locks is to transport boats from one water level to another, like an elevator.

It takes approximately 15 minutes to lock through most structures. Locking is only permitted during normal operating hours and the service is free.

NAVIGATION NOTICE: The South Florida Water Management District (District) maintains 11 navigation locks along the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee.

LAKE OKEECHOBEE LOCKS: As part of a regular seasonal schedule, new operating hours for many locks on Lake Okeechobee will take effect beginning on October 1, 2025.

• S-127 Boat Lock at Buckhead Ridge in Glades County
  • From October 1 to April 30, the operating hours are 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• S-131 Boat Lock at Lakeport in Glades County
  • From October 1.to April 30, the operating hours are 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• G-36 Boat Lock at Henry Creek in Okeechobee County
  • From October 1 to April 30, the operating hours are 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• S-135 Boat Lock at the J&S Fish Camp in Martin County
  • From October 1 to April 30, the operating hours are 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• S-193 Boat Lock at Taylor Creek in Okeechobee County
  • From May 1 to November 30, the operating hours are 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• S-310 Boat Lock in Clewiston in Hendry County
  • This boat lock is open to navigation from both the landside and the lakeside 24 hours a day until further notice.

KISSIMMEE WATERWAY LOCKS: The regular seasonal weekend schedule for locks on the Kissimmee Waterway will take effect beginning November 1.

• S-65E at Kissimmee River, Okeechobee/Glades County
  • Weekdays: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Weekends from March 1 through October 31: 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Weekends from November 1 through February 28: 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• S-65D in Okeechobee/Highlands County
  • Weekdays: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Weekends from March 1 through October 31: 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Weekends from November 1 through February 28: 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• S-65 on Lake Kissimmee in Osceola/Polk County
  • Weekdays: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Weekends from March 1 through October 31: 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Weekends from November 1 through February 28: 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• S-61 on Cypress Lake and Lake Tohopekaliga in Osceola County
  • Weekdays: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Weekends from March 1 through October 31: 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Weekends from November 1 through February 28: 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• S-65A in Osceola/Polk County
  • The S-65A Boat Lock is temporarily closed for maintenance along the C-38 Canal/Kissimmee River. The boat lock will remain closed through the fall of 2025.

BOAT RAMP FINDER: Anglers and boaters may also access local waterways through other public boat ramps. Visit FWC Boat Ramp Finder to find one near you.

A CLOSER LOOK: The District'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.

We encourage you to visit SFWMD.gov/Navigation to get the latest information on navigation through District structures and waterways.