About Us

The Unit began as the Stolen Boat Committee of the Florida Auto Theft Intelligence Unit (FATIU) on January 6, 1986, by providing training on marine theft in conjunction with the quarterly meetings of FATIU. The Committee was dissolved August 16, 1987, due to the FATIU by-laws restricting the quarterly meetings to only one day of training. Subsequently, the Central Florida Marine Intelligence Unit was formed to provide a monthly exchange of intelligence and training relating to all aspects of marine enforcement.

On April 26, 1989, at the monthly meeting held in Treasure Island, the membership voted to change the name to Florida Marine Intelligence Unit, expand to a statewide organization, and to meet on a quarterly basis. On May 31, 1989, an organizational meeting was held in Mount Dora, at which time a constitution and by-laws were approved and the election of officers was held. The first quarterly meeting was held in Orlando on Wednesday, August 16, 1989 and hosted by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The Unit was incorporated in the State of Florida on April 1, 1995.