A newly proposed bill, known as Lucy’s Law, could bring tougher consequences for boaters who leave the scene of a deadly crash without offering help or calling the police.
If House Bill 289 passed, it would make such an offense a first-degree felony, increasing the penalties for hit-and-run incidents on the water.
Florida State Senator Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers), who represents Lee County, is backing this proposal.
The bill mirrors a similar measure in the House but adds even tougher consequences, including raising the penalty for leaving the scene of a crash with injuries to a second-degree felony. It also introduces new charges for anyone caught lying to law enforcement.
The Senate version of the bill takes things even further, calling for the suspension of a boater’s driver’s license if they’re convicted of reckless boating or boating under the influence.
This push for stricter laws follows the tragic 2022 crash in the Florida Keys that claimed the life of 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez.
The boat’s operator, George Pino, is facing a vessel homicide charge, but Lucy’s mother, Melissa Fernandez, is fighting for change as she has emphasized the need for better boater education.
Under current law, only those born after 1988 are required to complete a boating safety course. This bill would expand that requirement to older boaters with a history of reckless boating or multiple violations, a move that supporters argue could prevent future tragedies.
While lawmakers push for tougher enforcement on the water, Governor Ron DeSantis is advocating for limits on law enforcement’s ability to conduct boat-safety inspections.
The House State Affairs Committee is set to review the bill on Thursday.
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