Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Boater Freedom Act on Monday, changing regulations for boaters in Florida's Gulf Coast region, including the purchase of gas-powered boats and law enforcement procedures on waterways.
This bill is the culmination of the governor’s boater freedom initiative proposal announced in February of this year.
Boaters will now have the freedom to buy a gas or electric boat, which local governments have previously regulated. According to this bill, signed into law Monday, local governments cannot stop people from buying gas-powered boats, and they also cannot stop businesses from selling them.
"There’s been a movement for local governments to regulate the type of vessels you are allowed to purchase regarding energy use," DeSantis said. "If you want to buy an electric boat, I don't think you should be prohibited for it, but you shouldn’t be required to do that."
Keeping marine life safe is also a part of this. The state of Florida will maintain the protection of wake speeds, manatee zones and seagrass areas. DeSantis also signed legislation to invest in more boat ramps, parking and marina programs.
Currently, both state and local law enforcement can pull a boater over with no probable cause.
"Is it any different than them coming into your home?" Jack Buck, Boaters Landing salesman, said. "Is it any different than pulling you over on the road? Don't they have to have probable cause? So sincerely, why should the waters be any different? Because if you're not doing anything wrong, they shouldn't be able to just stop in."
The governor said law enforcement will now approach you differently when out on the water. They will need probable cause.
This law will also direct the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to work with tax collectors to create a five-year safety inspection decal program. They will provide a "Florida Freedom Boater" decal at registration, which will show law enforcement that you have taken the necessary steps to maintain proper safety requirements.
DeSantis believes boaters being protected from suspicionless searches will allow local law enforcement to allocate their resources better. This law takes effect July 1.
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