Latest news with #SenateBill1388
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Florida's Boater Freedom Act takes effect this July: Here's what it means
The Brief Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Boater Freedom Act on Monday, which will change how law enforcement pulls over boaters on the water. Starting July 1, officers will no longer be allowed to conduct random "safety compliance" stops unless they have probable cause. Instead, boaters can display a "Florida Freedom Boater" decal, indicating they've already met required safety standards. The new law also protects the rights of residents to use gas-powered boats on Florida waters. ORLANDO, Fla. - Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Boater Freedom Act into law on Monday during a news conference with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in Panama City. The new law, also known as Senate Bill 1388, will take effect this summer on July 1, which will change how law enforcement pulls over boaters on the water. Here's what we know about the law. What we know According to DeSantis' office, the Boater Freedom Act will protect boaters by allowing them to use any energy source — including gas, diesel fuel, electricity, hydrogen, or solar power — to operate their vessels. This ensures that gas-powered boaters won't be restricted by local rules. The law will also put a stop to random boat inspections unless there's a good reason. Currently, law enforcement can stop or board a vessel for a safety compliance check. Instead, it will direct the FWC to work with tax collectors to provide a "Florida Freedom Boater" decal at registration – which will let officers know that the boater has already taken steps to maintain safety requirements. In addition, DeSantis signed House Bill 735, which increases funding for public boat ramps, parking, and marina programs – improving access to Florida's public waterways. The bill will also keep important protections in place for manatee zones, seagrass areas, and wake speeds across the state. What they're saying "This Freedom Boater Act is going to make sure that Florida remains the boater capital of the world," DeSantis said. "We're going to make sure that boaters are able to choose the type of vessel that they want. We're not going to allow local governments to step in and block the ability to purchase, and for the businesses to sell, vessels based on the source of fuel those vessels are using." Dig deeper To read the Boater Freedom Act in its entirety, click here or see below: Click to open this PDF in a new window. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Gov. Ron DeSantis during a news conference in Panama City on May 19, 2025. Additional details were provided in an online press release from the governor's office.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Florida is the boating and fishing capital of the world,' Governor Ron DeSantis signs act
Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1388, the Boater Freedom Act, into law, freeing Florida boaters from government interference. Florida's Boater Freedom Act prevents local bans on gas vessels, random safety inspections without probable cause and directs the FWC to establish a five-year safety inspection decal program linked to vessel registration. 'Florida is the boating and fishing capital of the world—and the Boater Freedom Act will ensure that this remains the case,' said Governor Ron DeSantis. The new act will guarantee that boaters who favor gas-powered vehicles won't face restrictions from local activist groups. Additionally, it preserves statewide regulations concerning wake speeds, manatee habitats and seagrass areas. The bill will additionally prohibit boat inspections unless there is probable cause, replacing the previous practice of conducting these as 'safety compliance' checks. The bill will also require the FWC to collaborate with tax collectors to actively supply a 'Florida Freedom Boater' decal during registration. The decal will signal law enforcement that the boater has fulfilled the safety requirements. This effectively establishes a proper balance between adhering to boating regulations and minimizing unwarranted disturbances for law-abiding boaters, thereby rendering enforcement more pragmatic and efficient. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
