Governor Ron DeSantis has officially signed Senate Bill 1388, dubbed the “Boater Freedom Act,” into law. This new legislation aims to enhance the boating experience in the Sunshine State by reducing governmental restrictions and ensuring that boaters can enjoy Florida’s waters with greater ease and autonomy.
One of the key provisions of the Boater Freedom Act is the prohibition of local bans on gas-powered vessels. This move ensures that boaters who prefer traditional fuel sources aren’t limited by regional regulations, allowing for consistent boating practices across the state.
Additionally, the Act addresses concerns about random safety inspections. Under the new law, law enforcement officers are required to have probable cause before stopping and inspecting vessels. This change is designed to protect boaters from unwarranted interruptions and to foster a more respectful relationship between boaters and law enforcement agencies.
Photo: Charles Boyer / Florida Media Now
To further streamline boating operations, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will introduce a five-year safety inspection decal program. Boaters who meet safety requirements will receive a “Florida Freedom Boater” decal upon registration. This decal serves as a visual indicator to law enforcement that the vessel complies with safety standards, potentially reducing the frequency of stops for compliant boaters.
While the Act promotes boater freedoms, it also maintains essential environmental protections. Statewide regulations concerning wake speeds, manatee zones, and seagrass areas remain intact, ensuring that Florida’s delicate aquatic ecosystems continue to be safeguarded.
Complementing the Boater Freedom Act, Governor DeSantis also signed House Bill 735. This legislation allocates additional funding for the development and maintenance of public boat ramps, parking facilities, and marina programs. The goal is to improve access to Florida’s waterways, making it easier for residents and visitors alike to enjoy boating activities. As Governor DeSantis remarked, these measures aim to ensure that Florida remains the “boating and fishing capital of the world.”
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