If you've been out on a boat along our Gulf Coast, at some point, you've probably seen Florida Fish and Wildlife or FWC officers.
They are the state agency that is tasked with patrolling and policing boating violations in the State of Florida, with many local police departments also devoting some resources to helping them.
But now, a new bill making its way through the Florida legislature could soon make it harder for them to stop boaters out on the water, something that one local environmental group is worried could actually do more harm than good.
"Boating is the number one thing to do in the state of Florida, we want to make sure that it's safe out there, there are a lot of first-time boaters out there that need help, and there are FWC agents who can help with that. So go out on the water, have fun and be safe," said Mike Murphy, the owner of Marina Mike's in Fort Myers.
From his dealership, Murphy has sold countless boats to people, and as a lifelong boater himself, he knows all about the hassle of getting stopped while on the water.
"I don't have a problem with getting pulled over and checking safety equipment and stuff like that. If it's more of an educational purpose, I'm making sure people are safe while on the water," Murphy said.
However, he also says the stops can be excessive.
"If it's making a quota, and giving tickets and helping subsidize, that's where I have a problem with it," Murphy said.
That's why Murphy said he's in favor of the "Boating Freedom Act," which is currently working its way through the state legislature, even receiving verbal support from Gov. Ron Desantis.
"Current Law allows state and also local law enforcement to pull a boater over when no probable cause or suspected violation has occurred, and they can conduct inspections, without having a pretext to do so, including personal property searches, further law enforcement action beyond safety compliance. While laws have in the past attempted to solve this, the problem persists, and our voters let us know," DeSantis said at a recent news conference.
But just this week, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation expressed their concern with the bill.
"So this bill is being referred to as the Boater Freedom Act, and our question is, the freedom to do what?" said Matt DePaolis, the environmental policy director for SCCF.
They are worried that it could make it easier for anglers to get away with poaching illegal fish since there would be less opportunity for officers to check.
"The same goes for fishing management as well, FWC can come by, check your catch, make sure you are not taking fish out of season. Fish that are too large or too small, make sure you are adhering to the regulations for crabbing and fishing." DePaolis said.
Another element of the Boating Freedom Act that SCCF also mentioned they are concerned about is restrictions on fuel type. If passed, the bill would limit local restrictions on the kind of boat motor that is used in local waters. An example of this is in Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel. Because it is considered an "Environmentally Sensitive Area" certain parts are considered "Non-Motorized" or "Poll or Trolling Zone Only", which means you're not allowed to drive a gas-powered motor through there.
If passed, the bill could eliminate those restrictions.
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