The bill seeks to improve boating safety regulations in Florida by amending various statutes related to identification cards, driver licenses, and penalties for boating violations. It requires the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to issue identification cards and driver licenses that feature a symbol for a lifetime boating safety identification card at no extra cost, contingent upon the applicant providing their boating safety identification card or a confirmation receipt from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Additionally, the bill mandates that driver license applications indicate whether the applicant possesses a boating safety identification card.

Moreover, the legislation revises penalties for boating offenses, including leaving the scene of an accident and boating under the influence (BUI), introducing graduated penalties based on the severity of the incident and establishing mandatory minimum sentences for certain violations. It also requires ignition interlock devices for BUI offenders under specific conditions and expands the definition of vessel homicide to include the killing of an unborn child due to reckless boating. The bill emphasizes the necessity of liability insurance for individuals convicted of certain boating offenses and mandates completion of a boating safety course for operators born on or after January 1, 1988. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability and safety measures for boating activities in Florida, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 58 Filed: 322.051, 322.14, 327.30, 327.352, 327.731, 782.072, 119.0712, 327.70, 327.73