DeSantis signs Boater Freedom Act – Boat Show Courtesy: Shutterstock – Photo by Aija Lehtonen
Panama City Beach, Fla. – The Boater Freedom Act, also known as Senate Bill 1388, was signed into law today by Governor Ron DeSantis. By prohibiting local bans on gas-powered boats, prohibiting arbitrary vessel safety inspections without a valid reason, and instructing the FWC to establish a five-year safety inspection decal program connected to vessel registration, this bill enables boaters in Florida to enjoy their waters without excessive government interference.
Governor Ron DeSantis declared, “The Boater Freedom Act will ensure that Florida remains the boating and fishing capital of the world.”
This law guarantees that local activists won’t impose restrictions on boaters who favor gas-powered vehicles. Additionally, it upholds statewide safeguards for seagrass beds, manatee zones, and wake speeds.
Additionally, the measure will forbid boat inspections that were previously carried out as “safety compliance” checks without probable cause. Additionally, the law will mandate that FWC collaborate with tax collectors to proactively offer a “Florida Freedom Boater” decal at the time of registration. Law enforcement will know that the boater has taken the required precautions to maintain appropriate safety standards thanks to this decal. This makes enforcement more realistic and efficient by striking a suitable balance between guaranteeing adherence to boating regulations and minimizing needless disturbances for law-abiding boats.
The Governor’s proposal for a boater freedom program, which was unveiled in February of this year, has culminated in this measure.
Additionally, Governor DeSantis signed House Bill 735, which gives the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission more money for parking, marina initiatives, and public boat ramps. Florida will continue to be the world’s fishing and boating capital thanks to these funding, which will guarantee increased access to public seas.
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Melissa’s career in writing started more than 20 years ago. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys.
