Florida boating accidents climb to 694 as waterways grow crowded

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WINK) — Florida's increasingly crowded waterways saw 694 reportable boating accidents in 2025, up from 685 in 2024 and 659 in 2023, according to a state report released Monday.

The annual Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Boating Accident Statistical Report reported 51 fatalities from 41 incidents, down from 81 deaths in 76 accidents in 2024. The report also notes that Florida has nearly 1.03 million registered vessels and up to one million non-registered vessels actively using Florida's waters.

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"Florida waterways show signs of congestion as each year brings more residents and visitors together to use abundant water resources and enjoy Florida's boating lifestyle," the report states.

The commission's Division of Law Enforcement report listed drowning as the cause of just over half the 2025 deaths. Ten deaths resulted from an individual falling overboard, while the next highest cause of death was a collision with a fixed object, with eight.

Most boats involved in a fatal accident were 21 feet or fewer. Most boat operators involved in fatal accidents were aged 35 or older.

Alcohol or drugs played a role in 14% of the boating fatalities.

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Personal watercraft, which account for 17% of Florida's registered vessels, were involved in 12 deaths. There were 161 accidents involving personal watercraft, accounting for 23% of all reportable crashes.

Nearly half, 72, of the personal watercraft accidents involved a collision with another vessel.

To read the full report, you can click on the PDF below.