What Is the Florida Boating Safety Bill?
Brian O Sutter
Boating Accidents
Were you aware that there is currently a Florida boating safety bill in the works that targets illegal boat charters and shady rental companies? It is currently making its way through the Florida state legislature. Careless boat operations are the number one cause of most boating accidents in Florida, and this bill aims at cutting down on this.The US Coast Guard's Role
In recent years, the Coast Guard has worked tirelessly to spread awareness and warnings of illegal charters and rental operations. These are dangerous because a charter that remains unlicensed may not have the proper emergency safety, navigation, and communication gear on board. They have not undergone the proper license exams and inspections and may not have adequate insurance to cover damages if there is a boating accident.
Senate Bill 606
The bill in the legislature is known as Senate Bill 606 or the Boating Safety Act of 2022. Under this bill, those violating rules on boating under the influence, unsafe navigation, having an expired registration, and those who are anchored in prohibited areas or are damaging seagrass can face high non-criminal fees.
As passenger vessels, these boats need to abide by the regulations as set forth by the United States Coast Guard. If not, violators of these regulations can face civil penalties and captain of the port orders.
If there is noncompliance, it can result in fines and penalties of around $94,000 for daily continued operation. Knowingly violating these regulations can lead to a Class D felony, 10 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
Under this new bill, there would be a no-cost permitting program through the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission (FWC). To obtain a permit, a boat rental company would have to have written agreements for their vessels for a minimum of one year, and all documents would have to be available for law enforcement inspection with only 24 hours' notice.
The FWC will also be allowed to track citations and education requirement notices. Anyone with a Florida vessel registration will have to have a physical address, except houseboats. Under this bill, illegal boating strike teams would also be available to offer support during law enforcement efforts.
Florida Boat Rental Laws
All uninspected passenger vessels can carry up to six passengers and have to be operated by a mariner or captain who has received the proper credentials. Additionally, smaller passenger vessels holding no more than six passengers must also have a Coast Guard issued Certificate of Inspection. This must be done yearly.
Under current Florida law, if you are operating, riding, or being towed behind a personal watercraft, you must be wearing an approved personal floatation device. You also can't operate your boat 30 minutes after sunset or 30 minutes before sunrise, even if your vessel has been equipped with navigation lights.
Furthermore, boat rental companies in Florida cannot lawfully allow someone 14 years of age and younger to operate a boat, and the boat also cannot be operated if there is a lack of safety equipment onboard or if the boat exceeds the load capacity.
If you were injured in a boat accident, most boat owners and boat rental companies carry some insurance, although boating insurance is not required in Florida. Watercraft liability insurance is coverage that includes bodily injury coverage and can offer compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and wrongful death.
If you have been injured in a Florida boating accident, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the process and get you the compensation you rightfully deserve.