Coast Guard Proposes Special Local Regulation for E1 Miami Grand Prix in Port Miami

In a move to ensure maritime safety during a prominent high-speed electric powerboat race, the U.S. Coast Guard has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for a temporary special local regulation (SLR) affecting the Port Miami Main Shipping Channel. Published in the Federal Register on October 28, 2026, the proposal outlines restrictions on vessel and personnel movement within a designated area offshore of Port Miami during the upcoming E1 Miami Grand Prix. This action underscores the federal government's role in balancing economic activity, such as large-scale sporting events, with the paramount need for safety on navigable waters.

The Impending E1 Miami Grand Prix

The catalyst for this proposed regulation is the E1 Miami Grand Prix, an event featuring approximately 12 electric high-speed powerboats, each 24 feet in length, with no more than five racing simultaneously. Electric Sea Racing Limited notified the Coast Guard of the event, scheduled to take place on November 11, 12, 13, and 14, 2026. The race course is situated within the Main Shipping Channel, a vital artery for commercial and recreational maritime traffic near one of the nation's busiest ports. The inherent dangers associated with high-speed waterborne competition necessitate proactive measures to protect participants, spectators, and any other vessels or personnel in the vicinity.

Details of the Proposed Regulation

The core of the Coast Guard's proposal is the establishment of a temporary regulated area. This zone will encompass all navigable waters within a specific segment of the Port Miami Main Shipping Channel, beginning offshore from Terminal F and extending northwest approximately one mile, ending about 400 meters offshore from the Kaseya Center. The regulation would prohibit any unauthorized vessel or person from entering or loitering within this defined area during the specified enforcement periods.

The enforcement schedule is precise:

• November 11, 2026: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• November 12, 2026: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• November 13-14, 2026: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Crucially for other maritime users, the proposed rule includes designated, limited windows for public transit through the regulated area. These brief openings are scheduled for specific times on each race day, for example, 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on November 11 and 11:35 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. on November 12. During these windows, vessels are expected to maintain course and speed and are explicitly prohibited from loitering. Any entry outside these windows requires explicit permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Miami or an authorized representative, who will be identifiable on-scene. The COTP derives its authority to issue such special local regulations from 46 U.S.C. 70041, which empowers the Coast Guard to ensure safety on U.S. navigable waters.

Regulatory Considerations and Impact

The Coast Guard has conducted several analyses as part of this proposed rulemaking, assessing its potential impacts across various domains.

Impact on Small Entities

Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, federal agencies must consider the economic impact on small entities. The Coast Guard certifies that this proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Their reasoning is based on several factors: the regulated area is small, the enforcement period is limited to a few hours over several days, vessel traffic is typically low during these times, and the Coast Guard will issue Broadcast Notices to Mariners via VHF FM marine channel 16 to allow for transit plan adjustments. Furthermore, small entities retain the ability to request permission to enter the regulated area from the COTP. Despite this certification, the Coast Guard explicitly invites comments from any small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction that believes it would be significantly affected, urging them to explain the nature and degree of the economic impact.

Federalism and Tribal Implications

Analysis under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, indicates that the proposed rule aligns with fundamental federalism principles. Similarly, Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, was considered, and the Coast Guard determined that the proposed rule does not have substantial direct effects on Indian tribes or their relationship with the federal government.

Unfunded Mandates and Environmental Review

The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires assessment of financial burdens on state, local, or tribal governments, or the private sector. The Coast Guard certifies that this proposed rule will not result in an annual expenditure of $100 million or more. Regarding environmental concerns, the proposal underwent review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The Coast Guard concluded that this action falls within a category of actions that individually or cumulatively do not have a significant effect on the human environment, thus qualifying for categorical exclusion from further detailed environmental review.

Public Participation is Encouraged

As with all proposed rulemakings, public input is a critical component of the administrative process. The Coast Guard encourages all interested parties to submit comments and related material on this proposal. The deadline for submission is November 4, 2026. Comments can be submitted through the Federal Docket Management System at regulations.gov by searching for docket number USCG-2026-1152. This public comment period allows stakeholders to voice concerns, provide additional data, or suggest modifications that could influence the final shape of the regulation. The eventual adoption of this special local regulation would represent a careful balancing act by federal authorities: facilitating a significant public event while upholding the Coast Guard's enduring mandate to ensure the safety and security of the nation's navigable waterways.