Starting July 1, Florida wildlife agents will no longer be able to stop boaters for random safety checks, unless there is probable cause, according to a new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis.
The measure, outlined in the SB 1388 proposal (“Sailors' Freedom Act”), aims to reduce unnecessary detentions, which have often created tension between sailors and state authorities.
With its implementation, agents will only be able to intervene in cases of clear violations, such as reckless or dangerous maneuvers, the page Always in Florida stated on Instagram.
The bill was approved with broad support in the state House and Senate, marking a significant change in the relationship between wildlife authorities and the boating community in Florida, according to Local 10.
DeSantis stated that he seeks to protect boaters from what he described as "government overreach" and to reaffirm the state's reputation as the "world capital of boating and fishing."
Key points of the new law:
It prohibits authorities from stopping vessels to conduct random security checks without probable cause.
It prevents local governments from banning gasoline-powered boats, thereby limiting the restrictions that some environmental groups were trying to promote.
It maintains intact the state protections for the estuarine areas, manatees, and seagrass beds.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will implement a boat safety decal program with a validity of five years, linked to registration and compliance with requirements.
A sticker for "free" navigators
The new "Florida Freedom Boater" decal, issued by the FWC and county tax collectors, will serve as a signal to officials that the vessel complies with regulations, avoiding unnecessary detentions. This will allow boaters to enjoy the water without interruptions.
“This bill protects boaters from unnecessary restrictions and boosts our reputation as a nautical destination,” DeSantis stated during the conference.
He also signed House Bill 735, which allocates funds to enhance public access to waterways through the modernization of boat ramps, port facilities, and parking lots, as part of FWC programs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Navigators' Freedom Law in Florida
What does the new law establish regarding the detentions of boaters in Florida?
The new law prohibits authorities from stopping vessels to conduct random security checks without probable cause. This means that agents can only intervene if there are clear violations, such as reckless or dangerous maneuvers.
How will this law affect sailors in Florida?
The law aims to reduce unnecessary detentions of navigators, allowing them to enjoy the waters without interruptions, as long as they comply with the established regulations.
What is the "Florida Freedom Boater" sticker?
The "Florida Freedom Boater" decal is a safety designation for vessels, issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, indicating that a vessel meets safety standards and helps avoid unnecessary detentions.
What other measures does the new law in Florida include?
The law prohibits local governments from banning gasoline-powered vessels and preserves protections for wake zones, manatees, and seagrass beds.
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