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 featuring a lifetime boating safety identification card symbol at no extra cost, contingent upon applicants presenting their Florida 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 bill 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 and updates the definition of vessel homicide to include the killing of an unborn child due to reckless boating. The legislation emphasizes the necessity of liability insurance for individuals convicted of specific boating-related offenses and mandates boating safety education for operators born after January 1, 1988. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, aiming to enhance safety and accountability for vessel operators in Florida.

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