The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to vessel operations and safety regulations. It allows the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to establish protection zones for springs, including the ability to modify vessel positioning methods to prevent significant harm to these ecosystems. The definition of "significant harm" is revised to include negative impacts on water quality and aquatic species, specifically when caused by vessel operations. Additionally, the bill prohibits law enforcement officers from stopping or boarding vessels without probable cause and reclassifies violations of safety or marine sanitation equipment requirements as secondary offenses.

Furthermore, the bill introduces the Florida Freedom Boater safety inspection decal, which will be issued upon vessel registration or renewal, indicating compliance with safety equipment requirements. It also establishes the Watercraft Energy Source Freedom Act, which prohibits restrictions on the use or sale of watercraft based on their energy source. Lastly, the bill revises provisions regarding the issuance of licenses for vessels owned by certain alien powers, removing references to international communism. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1388 Filed: 253.0346, 327.47, 327.56, 327.70
S 1388 c1: 253.0346, 327.45, 327.47, 327.56, 327.70, 379.226
S 1388 e1: 327.30, 327.33, 327.45, 327.54, 327.56, 327.73, 379.226, 782.072
S 1388 e2: 327.45, 327.56, 327.70, 379.226
S 1388 er: 327.45, 327.56, 327.70, 379.226