The proposed bill, titled the "Boater Freedom Act," aims to amend various sections of Florida Statutes related to vessels and boating regulations. Key changes include the definition of "probable cause," which will no longer encompass actions related to safety or marine sanitation equipment inspections. The bill also expands the Clean Marine Program to include Clean Marine Manufacturers and authorizes grants for the construction and maintenance of publicly owned parking for boat-hauling vehicles and trailers. Additionally, it establishes that violations of safety and marine sanitation equipment requirements will be treated as secondary offenses, and it removes provisions that allowed certain officers to board vessels under specific circumstances.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the creation of a "Florida Freedom Boater" safety inspection decal, which signifies compliance with safety equipment requirements at the time of vessel registration or renewal. It prohibits state agencies and local governments from restricting the use or sale of watercraft based on their energy source, ensuring that all types of energy-powered vessels are treated equally. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes a severability clause to maintain the validity of the remaining provisions if any part of the act is deemed invalid.

Statutes affected:
H 1001 Filed: 253.0346, 327.47, 327.56, 327.70