This bill seeks to enhance boating safety regulations in Florida by amending various sections of the Florida Statutes. Key provisions include the requirement for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to issue identification cards and driver licenses that display a symbol for individuals with a Florida boating safety identification card, without an additional fee. It also mandates that applications for these licenses indicate whether the applicant has obtained a boating safety identification card, and introduces penalties for leaving the scene of a boating accident, particularly in cases of serious injury or death. Furthermore, the bill establishes mandatory minimum sentences for boating under the influence (BUI) manslaughter and revises penalties for reckless vessel operation, increasing criminal penalties for navigation rule violations that result in serious bodily injury or death.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific penalties for BUI offenses, including felony charges for fourth or subsequent violations, and mandates the installation of ignition interlock devices for certain offenders. It emphasizes the importance of substance abuse education and treatment, requiring offenders to complete these programs as a condition of probation. The bill also introduces amendments related to liability insurance for individuals convicted of boating violations, updates penalties for refusing chemical tests while operating a vessel, and enhances boating safety education requirements for individuals born after January 1, 1988. Overall, the legislation aims to improve accountability and safety measures for boating activities in Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 900 Filed: 322.051, 322.14, 327.352, 119.0712, 921.0022