Florida boaters' rights to be protected with Boater Freedom Act
This act protects boaters by prohibiting Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers from stopping boats for inspections without probable cause.
'Governor DeSantis and the Legislature have built a state that promotes and protects freedom and individual liberty, and those principles should extend to Florida's waters and our responsible boating community,' Senator Trumbull said.
SB 1388 prohibits officers from boarding any vessel in Florida unless the officer has probable cause or knowledge to believe a violation has occurred or is occurring, officials wrote.
Panama City man found guilty of trafficking over 1,400 grams of meth
'Florida fishermen and recreational boaters should not be randomly subjected to stops and searches when the vast majority are simply trying to enjoy a day on the beautiful waters of our great state and are not doing anything wrong. While our law enforcement officers have good intentions, this current practice, which allows them to stop and inspect any boat without cause, is infringing on the rights of Florida boaters. Too often I have heard about, or myself experienced, boats being stopped multiple times in one outing. The Boater Freedom Act will put an end to this misguided practice and ensure the Free State of Florida extends to our waterways,' Trumbull added.
Under SB 1388, probable cause would not include any actions to make a safety or marine sanitation equipment inspection. The bill also establishes that safety and marine sanitation equipment requirement violations may only be considered a secondary offense.
Additionally, the bill creates the 'Florida Freedom Boater' decal, which is issued at the time of registration or renewal. This safety decal signifies that the vessel complies with application safety equipment carriage and use requirements.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Axios
an hour ago
- Axios
Scoop: ActBlue makes it easier for independents to tap donors
ActBlue, the online donation platform that makes it easy for Democratic candidates to hoover up small-dollar donations, is making it easier for independents to do the same. Why it matters: The new rules allow ActBlue to include independent candidates on a "case-by-case" basis. That change can give independents access to ActBlue earlier in the campaign cycle—and even if a declared Democrat is in the race. Republicans both fear and admire ActBlue for the ease with which it allows candidates to translate online enthusiasm into real-world dollars. President Trump also wants to investigate it for "illegal 'straw donor' and foreign contributions in American elections." A spokesperson for ActBlue confirmed the changes, which were made earlier in August. Zoom out: In the 2026 cycle, three independent candidates are seeking to challenge GOP senators in deep red states, but without a "D" next to their name. Two of them are former Democrats. The third, Dan Osborn, who has always been registered "unaffiliated," gave Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) a scare in 2024 by running as an independent. He's plotting a second run, this time against Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.). Earlier this summer Todd Achilles, a former Democratic Idaho state representative, declared himself an unaffiliated voter and announced a challenge to Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho). And in South Dakota, Brian Bengs, who ran for the Senate as a Democrat in 2022, is challenging Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), as an independent. Zoom in: ActBlue will now review independent or third-party candidates for inclusion on a "case-by-case basis, with the following criteria as major factors," according to its website. "Whether a Democratic candidate is in the race." "Whether the candidate has a Democratic Party endorsement." "Whether the candidate can demonstrate they align with Democratic policies and priorities." The old guidelines had stricter requirements. Independents could qualify by having a "proven record of caucusing with Democrats," which would have covered former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.). The old rules did allow for independent candidates to access the platform if no other Democrat were in the race and if they received an "official Democratic Party endorsement." Between the lines: The old rules would have prevented independents like Beng and Achilles from tapping the platform, given that there are already Democrats in both races. What they're saying: Republicans are convinced the change is a ruse to give incognito Democrats access to progressive donors without admitting they're Democrats.
Politico
an hour ago
- Politico
The other bills keeping lawmakers up at night
DRIVING THE DAY: Gavin Newsom and Democratic lawmakers today in Los Angeles rallied behind their campaign for a ballot measure asking voters to allow political gerrymandering to counter a Donald Trump-led GOP effort in Texas. Lawmakers are expected to approve a package containing the initiative next week. More on that below. NEGOTIATING TACTICS: Even as redistricting consumes Sacramento, state lawmakers have been working behind the scenes to push their other big bills through the final weeks of session. Lawmakers return Monday after using the four-week break to negotiate with their colleagues, lobbyists and Gov. Gavin Newsom's office. Legislation around ICE agents' use of masks, rideshare unionizing, antisemitism in schools, cap and trade and affordable housing funding remains in play. Here are the latest developments on legislation that saw a good deal of action during lawmakers' time away. Cap and trade: Before the redistricting push, extending the state's carbon auction system was poised to dominate the end of the session. And it's still one of the heaviest political lifts on the Legislature's docket. Business interests such as CalChamber that once opposed creating a system in which emitters can purchase and trade a capped number of carbon credits are now backing a 'clean' reauthorization — in which the system would continue functioning as it does now. But environmental groups are lobbying for changes including changing how auction proceeds are spent, eliminating free allowances that keep major polluters' costs down and putting emissions caps on individual facilities'. The slow pace of negotiations — the Assembly and Senate aren't yet on the same page with weeks to go — has fueled speculation that the program may not be renewed until next year. But talks are in for a serious jolt Wednesday, the date of the state's next carbon auction. With the cap-and-trade system still set to expire in 2030, emitters have been bidding less on carbon credits, leaving state lawmakers with less revenue to put toward climate and transit programs. The pain of dwindling revenue could speed discussions along as California faces the prospect of multi-billion dollar deficits in the coming years. Housing bucks: As we reported earlier this week, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks' $10 billion housing bond hasn't made much progress in the Senate after advancing from the Assembly. Wicks told Playbook she's having 'ongoing conversations with a lot of different folks' about the measure, which would go before voters in 2026. The assemblymember said she's still negotiating the final dollar figure and where the money will go, although there's 'widespread support' for asking voters to set aside most of the funding for multifamily housing, especially subsidized units for low-income Californians. Masking up: Proponents of state Sen. Scott Wiener's proposal to ban the use of identity-concealing masks by ICE and other law enforcement agencies are still trying to soften opposition from powerful state and local police and sheriffs' groups. Wiener said they've 'tried to constructively engage' on the legislation, although he's not sure whether he can get the law enforcement lobby to neutral 'while still producing a strong bill that puts a stop to extreme masking.' The senator needs the groups to temper their opposition if he wants to win over skeptical moderate Democrats and secure the two-thirds vote required to put the legislation in place right away. He can also try to pass the bill by a simple majority vote, though it wouldn't take effect until January. 'If we can get a two-thirds vote with a strong bill, that's absolutely the path we'll take,' Wiener said. 'If getting a two-thirds vote means we damage the bill, then I would rather have a strong bill take effect Jan. 1, than a weakened bill take effect immediately.' The bill is part of a larger slate of immigration legislation lawmakers hoped to take up quickly after the recess, although the redistricting package will likely cause some delays. Refineries: Newsom's proposal to increase California's crude extraction made the rounds during recess and is gaining traction with lawmakers scared of a spike in gas prices if they don't avoid more refinery closures. Even state Sen. Henry Stern, a climate hawk, has said more drilling in Kern County is necessary to stabilize in-state fuel supply. But environmentalists are bristling at Newsom's 'drill one new well, plug two old ones' proposal, which they say could open up drilling statewide. The oil and gas industry, meanwhile, isn't too fond of some of the other measures in the draft legislation, which would ban fracking and increase safety oversight related to offshore drilling. Wildfire fund: Newsom has also proposed reupping the state's wildfire liability fund, meant to prevent utilities from going bankrupt when their equipment sparks wildfires, with a $9 billion extension of a surcharge on ratepayer bills (and $9 billion from shareholders). There's a sense of urgency: Southern California Edison alone could drain the fund with its potential liability from the Eaton Fire, leaving nothing to cover any new utility-sparked wildfires that emerge during the upcoming months, which are typically the most dangerous for wildfires. The proposal is a bitter political pill, however, during a year supposed to deliver on affordability. Ride-hailing benefits: Labor leaders backing Wicks' and Assemblymember Marc Berman's bid to guarantee Uber and Lyft drivers can organize for better pay and benefits have yet to find common ground with the ride-hailing companies. SEIU and labor allies want to keep existing language that would require the companies to recognize bargaining groups formed by drivers (who are classified as 'independent contractors' thanks to Prop 22, an industry-funded ballot measure voters approved in 2020). Uber and Lyft are open to benefits packages for drivers, but they're fiercely opposed to full-fledged organizing rights, which they see as a clear attempt at circumventing Prop 22. The two sides met for talks over recess, three people familiar with the conversations told Playbook. An agreement that provides drivers with some benefits isn't out of the question yet, though there aren't any clear signs a deal is imminent. 'Until drivers have a union, they will not have a seat at the table,' SEIU Executive Director Tia Orr told Playbook. Antisemitism debate: Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire has gotten deeply involved in trying to save a proposal aiming to address antisemitism in schools. The bill hit an impasse heading into the recess, with legislative leadership agreeing to delay a measure that would penalize schools that create antisemitic learning environments and restrict what they teach about the Israel-Gaza conflict. The proposal faces fierce opposition from the California Teachers Association, school administrators and progressive groups that claim it is overly punitive, censors criticism of Israel and creates standards that do not exist for other active conflicts. But it is the Legislative Jewish Caucus' only priority bill this year, and McGuire pledged to pass it before the end of session. Negotiations are continuing between the teachers' union, legislative ethnic caucuses and Jewish advocates as proponents try to address broad concerns that include complaint procedures and how antisemitism is defined. Dueling charter bills: Lawmakers backing competing measures aimed at increasing oversight of non-traditional charter schools are continuing to hash out a compromise, meeting regularly over the recess. Assembly Education Chair Al Muratsuchi's union-backed AB 84 seeks sweeping regulations on non-classroom charters, but was pared down before the break as charter schools pushed state Sen. Angelique Ashby's SB 414, which would implement fewer restrictions. Charter school advocates have been lobbying lawmakers over recess to chip away at Muratsuchi's broad proposal, specifically around an effort to require credentialed employees to approve funding for enrichment activities. The bill currently calls for increased auditing and financial reporting requirements and would create a new Office of the Education Inspector General. Ashby said in a committee hearing that she would reject a final measure that is 'so punitive that all charter schools take a haircut.' — with help from Eric He, Emily Schultheis, Tyler Katzenberger, Blake Jones, Camille von Kaenel and Alex Nieves IT'S THURSDAY AFTERNOON. This is California Playbook PM, a POLITICO newsletter that serves as an afternoon temperature check on California politics and a look at what our policy reporters are watching. Got tips or suggestions? Shoot an email to lholden@ WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY OFF AND RUNNING: California's leading politicians and its most prominent labor unions put on a show of unity today as they gathered to launch a campaign for a new House map, our Jeremy B. White and Emily Schultheis report. 'We can't stand back and watch this democracy disappear, district by district, all across this country,' Newsom said. 'We need to stand up. Not just California: Other states need to stand up.' The themes of that likely special election came into focus today: Rally attendees spoke at a podium emblazoned with an 'Election Rigging Response Act' sign and held 'defend democracy' placards. Details also emerged about the campaign's backers. A newly unveiled campaign website lists House Democrats' principal super PAC and Democratic megadonor Bill Bloomfield as initial funders. But victory at the ballot box is far from assured. Newsom's pollster has circulated an internal survey showing the measure starting with only a narrow majority, and polling from POLITICO-Citrin Center-Possibility Lab found voters overwhelmingly support keeping the state's independent redistricting commission. (The nascent ballot measure would leave the commission in place but effectively override its work by creating new maps to boost Democrats through 2030.) CA V. TRUMP OF ALL PLACES: Border Patrol agents turned up this morning outside the downtown Los Angeles venue where Newsom and other Democrats were rallying behind the redistricting campaign and denouncing Trump. 'Right outside at this exact moment are dozens and dozens of ICE agents … people are scared,' Newsom said during the event. 'People are fearful.' A video taken by witnesses shows bystanders yelling at masked agents in military fatigues standing inside a white unmarked van. Newsom's press office shared an X post with a video showing dozens of Border Patrol agents walking around on the street alongside Sector Cmdr. Gregory Bovino, who has taken a leading role in the Los Angeles immigration crackdown. 'BORDER PATROL HAS SHOWED UP AT OUR BIG BEAUTIFUL PRESS CONFERENCE! WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED!' the post said, continuing Newsom's mocking use of Trump's trademark all-caps missives. Bovino told NBC LA that agents were conducting roving patrols and that they had taken one person into custody. The incident drew a quick response from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who showed up to the scene and answered questions from reporters. 'There's no way this was a coincidence,' she said. 'This was widely publicized that the governor and many of our other elected officials were having a press conference here to talk about redistricting, and they decided they were going to come and thumb their nose in front of the governor's face.' — with help from Melanie and Jeremy WHAT WE'RE READING TODAY — Some local officials and advocates are concerned that Trump, who has appointed himself head of an Olympics task force, will take action against homeless people when Los Angeles hosts the event in 2028. (Los Angeles Times) — The Trump administration's tariff on Indian imports has led to increased prices at restaurants and grocery stores in the Bay Area. (San Francisco Chronicle) AROUND THE STATE — The Vista City Council voted to spend $3.5 million to increase annual maintenance of Wave Waterpark through 2035. (San Diego Union-Tribune) — Increased surveillance in the majority Latino neighborhood of Oak View in Huntington Beach has left residents with mixed feelings behind the city's motives. (LAist) — Some Palo Alto residents are pushing back on a plan to replace a former restaurant with an apartment building. (The Mercury News) — compiled by Juliann Ventura
Axios
2 hours ago
- Axios
How Newsom plans to neutralize Texas' partisan redistricting effort
Gov. Gavin Newsom and other California leaders said Thursday that the California Legislature will introduce and approve the state's response to an escalating partisan redistricting arms race starting early next week. Why it matters: Efforts in blue and red states to pick up seats through gerrymandering could determine control of Congress in next year's midterm election. California's play follows Texas Republicans' effort — instigated by President Trump — to redraw its congressional maps to help maintain control of the House of Representatives. The intrigue: Newsom said California's legislation would be triggered by continued partisan redistricting efforts by not just Texas, but any Republican-controlled state. "There is still an off ramp," he said, if states like Missouri, Indiana and Florida opt not to pursue midterm redistricting. "We're not waiting, and we're not anticipating that these states will be passive, especially with the directive coming from Donald Trump." The big picture: Newsom said the Legislature will approve a legislative package by the end of next week to schedule a November special election for California voters to weigh in on new congressional maps aiming to create five new Democratic seats. The action would require a constitutional amendment, which needs two-thirds approval from the Legislature. Newsom said they'd release maps in the next few days that would "completely neuter and neutralize what's happening in Texas." Between the lines: Newsom said it is his hope and expectation that other blue states will follow California's lead. "This is not just about Texas, this is about running away with this system and rigging it midterm," he said. "So we're not going to just sit back passively." Zoom out: Texas Democrats, who broke quorum by leaving the state to block the GOP's redistricting effort at the beginning of the month, outlined their terms for returning Thursday. They'll come back after the Legislature adjourns Friday, and California introduces its redistricting maps, they announced in a release.
