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2021 Florida Statutes (Including 2021B Session)
Chapter 327
VESSEL SAFETY
VESSEL SAFETY
CHAPTER 327
VESSEL SAFETY
327.01 Short title.
327.02 Definitions.
327.04 Rules.
327.30 Collisions, accidents, and casualties.
327.301 Written reports of accidents.
327.302 Accident report forms.
327.31 Transmittal of information.
327.32 Vessel declared dangerous instrumentality; civil liability.
327.33 Reckless or careless operation of vessel.
327.331 Divers; definitions; divers-down warning device required; obstruction to navigation of certain waters; penalty.
327.34 Incapacity of operator.
327.35 Boating under the influence; penalties; “designated drivers.”
327.352 Tests for alcohol, chemical substances, or controlled substances; implied consent; refusal.
327.35215 Penalty for failure to submit to test.
327.353 Blood test for impairment or intoxication in cases of death or serious bodily injury; right to use reasonable force.
327.354 Presumption of impairment; testing methods.
327.355 Operation of vessels by persons under 21 years of age who have consumed alcoholic beverages.
327.359 Refusal to submit to testing; penalties.
327.36 Mandatory adjudication; prohibition against accepting plea to lesser included offense.
327.37 Water skis, parasails, aquaplanes, kiteboarding, kitesurfing, and moored ballooning regulated.
327.371 Human-powered vessels regulated.
327.375 Commercial parasailing.
327.38 Skiing prohibited while intoxicated or under influence of drugs.
327.39 Personal watercraft regulated.
327.391 Airboats regulated.
327.395 Boating safety education.
327.40 Uniform waterway markers.
327.41 Uniform waterway regulatory markers.
327.4107 Vessels at risk of becoming derelict on waters of this state.
327.4108 Anchoring of vessels in anchoring limitation areas.
327.4109 Anchoring or mooring prohibited; exceptions; penalties.
327.42 Mooring to or damaging of uniform waterway markers prohibited.
327.43 Silver Glen Run and Silver Glen Springs; navigation channel.
327.44 Interference with navigation; relocation or removal; recovery of costs.
327.45 Protection zones for springs.
327.46 Boating-restricted areas.
327.461 Safety zones, security zones, regulated navigation areas, and naval vessel protection zones; prohibited entry; penalties.
327.462 Temporary protection zones for spaceflight launches and recovery of spaceflight assets.
327.463 Special hazards.
327.47 Competitive grant programs.
327.48 Regattas, races, marine parades, tournaments, or exhibitions.
327.49 Testing vessels and vessel motors.
327.50 Vessel safety regulations; equipment and lighting requirements.
327.52 Maximum loading and horsepower.
327.521 No-discharge zones.
327.53 Marine sanitation.
327.54 Liveries; safety regulations; penalty.
327.56 Safety and marine sanitation equipment inspections; qualified.
327.58 Jurisdiction.
327.59 Marina evacuations.
327.60 Local regulations; limitations.
327.65 Muffling devices.
327.66 Carriage of gasoline on vessels.
327.70 Enforcement of this chapter and chapter 328.
327.71 Exemption.
327.72 Penalties.
327.73 Noncriminal infractions.
327.731 Mandatory education for violators.
327.74 Uniform boating citations.
327.803 Boating Advisory Council.
327.804 Compilation of statistics on boating accidents and violations.
327.01 Short title.—This chapter shall be known as the “Florida Vessel Safety Law.”
History.—s. 1, ch. 59-399; s. 1, ch. 65-361; s. 1, ch. 84-184; s. 5, ch. 99-289.
Note.—Former s. 371.011.
327.02 Definitions.—As used in this chapter and in chapter 328, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the term:
(1) “Airboat” means a vessel that is primarily designed for use in shallow waters and powered by an internal combustion engine with an airplane-type propeller mounted above the stern and used to push air across a set of rudders.
(2) “Alien” means a person who is not a citizen of the United States.
(3) “Barge” means a vessel that does not have living quarters, is not propelled by its own power, and is designed to be pushed or pulled by another vessel.
(4) “Boating accident” means a collision, accident, or casualty involving a vessel in or upon, or entering into or exiting from, the water, including capsizing, collision with another vessel or object, sinking, personal injury, death, disappearance of a person from on board under circumstances that indicate the possibility of death or injury, or property damage to any vessel or dock.
(5) “Canoe” means a light, narrow vessel with curved sides and with both ends pointed. A canoe-like vessel with a transom may not be excluded from the definition of a canoe if the width of its transom is less than 45 percent of the width of its beam or it has been designated as a canoe by the United States Coast Guard.
(6) “Commercial fishing vessel” means a vessel primarily engaged in the taking or landing of saltwater fish or saltwater products or freshwater fish or freshwater products, or a vessel licensed pursuant to s. 379.361 from which commercial quantities of saltwater products are harvested, from within and without the waters of this state for sale to the consumer or to a retail or wholesale dealer.
(7) “Commercial parasailing” means providing or offering to provide, for consideration, any activity involving the towing of a person by a motorboat if:
(a) One or more persons are tethered to the towing vessel;
(b) The person or persons ascend above the water; and
(c) The person or persons remain suspended under a canopy, chute, or parasail above the water while the vessel is underway.
The term does not include ultralight glider towing conducted under rules of the Federal Aviation Administration governing ultralight vehicles as defined in 14 C.F.R. part 103.
(8) “Commercial vessel” means a vessel used as a place of business or a professional or other commercial enterprise.
(9) “Commission” means the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
(10) “Dealer” means a person authorized by the Department of Revenue to buy, sell, resell, or otherwise distribute vessels. Such person must have a valid sales tax certificate of registration issued by the Department of Revenue and a valid commercial or occupational license required by any county, municipality, or political subdivision of the state in which the person operates.
(11) “Division” means the Division of Law Enforcement of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
(12) “Documented vessel” means a vessel for which a valid certificate of documentation is outstanding pursuant to 46 C.F.R. part 67.
(13) “Effective means of propulsion for safe navigation” means a vessel, other than a barge, that is equipped with:
(a) A functioning motor, controls, and steering system; or
(b) Rigging and sails that are present and in good working order, and a functioning steering system.
(14) “Floating structure” means a floating entity, with or without accommodations built thereon, which is not primarily used as a means of transportation on water but which serves purposes or provides services typically associated with a structure or other improvement to real property. The term includes, but is not limited to, an entity used as a residence, place of business or office with public access; a hotel or motel; a restaurant or lounge; a clubhouse; a meeting facility; a storage or parking facility; or a mining platform, dredge, dragline, or similar facility or entity represented as such. Floating structures are expressly excluded from the definition of the term “vessel” provided in this section. Incidental movement upon water or resting partially or entirely on the bottom does not, in and of itself, preclude an entity from classification as a floating structure.
(15) “Florida Intracoastal Waterway” means the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Georgia state line north of Fernandina to Miami; the Port Canaveral lock and canal to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway; the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Miami to Key West; the Okeechobee Waterway, Stuart to Fort Myers; the St. Johns River, Jacksonville to Sanford; the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Anclote to Fort Myers; the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Carrabelle to Tampa Bay; Carrabelle to Anclote open bay section, using the Gulf of Mexico; the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Carrabelle to the Alabama state line west of Pensacola; and the Apalachicola, Chattahoochee, and Flint Rivers in Florida.
(16) “Homemade vessel” means a vessel built after October 31, 1972, for which a federal hull identification number is not required to be assigned by the manufacturer pursuant to federal law, or a vessel constructed or assembled before November 1, 1972, by an entity other than a licensed manufacturer for its own use or the use of a specific person. A vessel assembled from a manufacturer’s kit or constructed from an unfinished manufactured hull is considered to be a homemade vessel if such a vessel is not required to have a hull identification number assigned by the United States Coast Guard. A rebuilt or reconstructed vessel may not be construed to be a homemade vessel.
(17) “Houseboat” means a vessel that is used primarily as a residence for at least 21 days during any 30-day period in a county of this state if such residential use of the vessel is to the preclusion of its use as a means of transportation.
(18) “Human-powered vessel” means a vessel powered only by its occupant or occupants, including, but not limited to, a vessel powered only by the occupants’ hands or feet, oars, or paddles.
(19) “Kiteboarding” or “kitesurfing” means an activity in which a kiteboard or surfboard is tethered to a kite so as to harness the power of the wind and propel the board across a body of water. For purposes of this subsection, the term “kite” has the same meaning as used in 14 C.F.R. part 101.
(20) “Length” means the measurement from end to end over the deck parallel to the centerline, excluding sheer.
(21) “Lien” means a security interest that is reserved or created by a written agreement recorded with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles pursuant to s. 328.15 and that secures payment or performance of an obligation and is generally valid against third parties.
(22) “Lienholder” means a person holding a security interest in a vessel, which interest is recorded with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles pursuant to s. 328.15.
(23) “Live-aboard vessel” means:
(a) A vessel used solely as a residence and not for navigation;
(b) A vessel for which a declaration of domicile has been filed pursuant to s. 222.17; or
(c) A vessel used as a residence that does not have an effective means of propulsion for safe navigation.
A commercial fishing vessel is expressly excluded from the term “live-aboard vessel.”
(24) “Livery vessel” means a vessel leased, rented, or chartered to another for consideration.
(25) “Manufactured vessel” means a vessel built after October 31, 1972, for which a federal hull identification number is required pursuant to federal law, or a vessel constructed or assembled before November 1, 1972, by a duly licensed manufacturer.
(26) “Marina” means a licensed commercial facility that provides secured public moorings or dry storage for vessels on a leased basis. A commercial establishment authorized by a licensed vessel manufacturer as a dealership is considered a marina for nonjudicial sale purposes.
(27) “Marine sanitation device” means equipment, other than a toilet, for installation on board a vessel which is designed to receive, retain, treat, or discharge sewage, and any process to treat such sewage. Marine sanitation device Types I, II, and III shall be defined as provided in 33 C.F.R. part 159.
(28) “Marker” means a channel mark or other aid to navigation, an information or regulatory mark, an isolated danger mark, a safe water mark, a special mark, an inland waters obstruction mark, or mooring buoy in, on, or over the waters of the state or the shores thereof, and includes, but is not limited to, a sign, beacon, buoy, or light.
(29) “Moored ballooning” means the operation of a moored balloon pursuant to 14 C.F.R. part 101.
(30) “Motorboat” means a vessel equipped with machinery for propulsion, irrespective of whether the propulsion machinery is in actual operation.
(31) “Muffler” means an automotive-style sound-suppression device or system designed to effectively abate the sound of exhaust gases emitted from an internal combustion engine and prevent excessive sound when installed on such an engine.
(32) “Navigation rules” means, for vessels on:
(a) Waters outside established navigational lines of demarcation as specified in 33 C.F.R. part 80, the International Navigational Rules Act of 1977, 33 U.S.C. s. 1602, as amended, including the appendix and annexes thereto, through December 31, 2020.
(b) All waters not outside of such established lines of demarcation, the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980, 33 C.F.R. parts 83-90, as amended, through December 31, 2020.
(33) “Nonresident” means a citizen of the United States who has not established residence in this state and has not continuously resided in this state for 1 year and in one county for the 6 months immediately preceding the initiation of a vessel titling or registration action.
(34) “Operate” means to be in charge of, in command of, or in actual physical control of a vessel upon the waters of this state, to exercise control over or to have responsibility for a vessel’s navigation or safety while the vessel is underway upon the waters of this state, or to control or steer a vessel being towed by another vessel upon the waters of the state.
(35) “Owner” means a person, other than a lienholder, having the property in or title to a vessel. The term includes a person entitled to the use or possession of a vessel subject to an interest in another person which is reserved or created by agreement and securing payment of performance of an obligation. The term does not include a lessee under a lease not intended as security.
(36) “Person” means an individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association, or other entity.
(37) “Personal watercraft” means a vessel less than 16 feet in length which uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel.
(38) “Portable toilet” means a device consisting of a lid, seat, containment vessel, and support structure which is specifically designed to receive, retain, and discharge human waste and which is capable of being removed from a vessel by hand.
(39) “Prohibited activity” means activity that will impede or disturb navigation or creates a safety hazard on waterways of this state.
(40) “Racing shell,” “rowing scull,” or “racing kayak” means a manually propelled vessel that is recognized by national or international racing associations for use in competitive racing and in which all occupants, with the exception of a coxswain, if one is provided, row, scull, or paddle and that is not designed to carry and does not carry any equipment not solely for competitive racing.
(41) “Recreational vessel” means a vessel:
(a) Manufactured and used primarily for noncommercial purposes; or
(b) Leased, rented, or chartered to a person for his or her noncommercial use.
(42) “Registration” means a state operating license on a vessel which is issued with an identifying number, an annual certificate of registration, and a decal designating the year for which a registration fee is paid.
(43) “Resident” means a citizen of the United States who has established residence in this state and has continuously resided in this state for 1 year and in one county for the 6 months immediately preceding the initiation of a vessel titling or registration action.
(44) “Sailboat” means a vessel whose sole source of propulsion is the wind.
(45) “Sustained wind speed” means a wind speed determined by averaging the observed wind speed rounded up to the nearest mile per hour over a 2-minute period.
(46) “Unclaimed vessel” means an undocumented vessel, including its machinery, rigging, and accessories, which is in the physical possession of a marina, garage, or repair shop for repairs, improvements, or other work with the knowledge of the vessel owner and for which the costs of such services have been unpaid for more than 90 days after the date written notice of the completed work is given by the marina, garage, or repair shop to the vessel owner.
(47) “Vessel” is synonymous with boat as referenced in s. 1(b), Art. VII of the State Constitution and includes every description of watercraft, barge, and airboat, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.
(48) “Waters of this state” means any navigable waters of the United States within the territorial limits of this state, the marginal sea adjacent to this state and the high seas when navigated as a part of a journey or ride to or from the shore of this state, and all the inland lakes, rivers, and canals under the jurisdiction of this state.
History.—s. 1, ch. 59-399; s. 1, ch. 63-103; s. 1, ch. 65-361; s. 17, ch. 69-216; ss. 25, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 3, ch. 70-336; s. 132, ch. 71-377; s. 1, ch. 72-16; s. 1, ch. 72-55; ss. 1, 15, ch. 74-327; s. 23, ch. 79-334; s. 1, ch. 81-100; s. 1, ch. 81-114; s. 76, ch. 82-226; s. 1, ch. 83-20; s. 2, ch. 84-184; s. 1, ch. 85-252; s. 1, ch. 88-133; s. 1, ch. 89-136; s. 2, ch. 89-250; s. 2, ch. 94-241; s. 152, ch. 94-356; s. 951, ch. 95-148; s. 1, ch. 95-333; s. 3, ch. 98-308; ss. 18, 89, ch. 99-245; s. 2, ch. 2000-362; s. 1, ch. 2006-172; s. 194, ch. 2008-247; s. 6, ch. 2009-86; s. 1, ch. 2013-194; s. 2, ch. 2014-70; s. 2, ch. 2017-163; s. 3, ch. 2021-184.
Note.—Former s. 371.021.
327.04 Rules.—The commission may adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement this chapter, the provisions of chapter 705 relating to vessels, and ss. 376.15 and 823.11 conferring powers or duties upon it.
History.—s. 1, ch. 59-399; s. 4, ch. 63-103; s. 1, ch. 65-361; ss. 25, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 154, ch. 94-356; s. 48, ch. 95-333; s. 53, ch. 96-413; s. 67, ch. 98-200; s. 8, ch. 99-289; s. 3, ch. 2000-362; s. 4, ch. 2021-184.
Note.—Former s. 371.161.
327.30 Collisions, accidents, and casualties.—
(1) It is the duty of the operator of a vessel involved in a collision, accident, or other casualty, so far as he or she can do so without serious danger to the operator’s own vessel, crew, and passengers, if any, to render to other persons affected by the collision, accident, or other casualty such assistance as is practicable and necessary in order to save them from or minimize any danger caused by the collision, accident, or other casualty, and also to give his or her name, address, and identification of his or her vessel in writing to any person injured and to the owner of any property damaged in the collision, accident, or other casualty. The operator of a vessel involved in an accident with an unattended vessel shall take all reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner or person in charge of such vessel of the accident, furnishing to such owner his or her name, address, and registration number and reporting as required under this section.
(2) In the case of collision, accident, or other casualty involving a vessel in or upon or entering into or exiting from the water, including capsizing, collision with another vessel or object, sinking, personal injury requiring medical treatment beyond immediate first aid, death, disappearance of any person from on board under circumstances which indicate the possibility of death or injury, or damage to any vessel or other property in an apparent aggregate amount of at least $2,000, the operator shall without delay, by the quickest means available give notice of the accident to one of the following agencies: the Division of Law Enforcement of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; the sheriff of the county within which the accident occurred; or the police chief of the municipality within which the accident occurred, if applicable.
(3) The statutory duty of a person to make a report or give information to a law enforcement officer making a written report relating to an accident does not extend to information that would violate the privilege of such person against self-incrimination.
(4) Each coroner or other official performing like functions, upon learning of the death of a person in his or her jurisdiction as a result of a boating accident, shall immediately notify the nearest office of the Department of Law Enforcement.
(5) It is unlawful for a person operating a vessel involved in an accident or injury to leave the scene of the accident or injury without giving all possible aid to all persons involved and making a reasonable effort to locate the owner or persons affected and subsequently complying with and notifying the appropriate law enforcement official as required under this section. Any person who violates this subsection with respect to an accident resulting in personal injury commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. Any person who violates this subsection with respect to an accident resulting in property damage only commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(6) Any law enforcement officer who investigates a boating collision or accident may arrest or cite the operator of any vessel involved in the accident or collision when, based upon personal investigation, the officer has probable cause to believe that the operator has committed any offense in connection with the accident or collision.
History.—s. 1, ch. 59-399; s. 4, ch. 61-511; s. 1, ch. 65-361; ss. 25, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 34, ch. 79-65; s. 5, ch. 81-100; s. 24, ch. 87-243; s. 1, ch. 87-392; s. 3, ch. 89-117; s. 44, ch. 91-224; s. 455, ch. 95-148; s. 16, ch. 96-330; s. 41, ch. 97-96; s. 22, ch. 99-245; s. 2, ch. 2003-143.
Note.—Former s. 371.141.
327.301 Written reports of accidents.—
(1) The operator of a vessel that is in any manner involved in an accident resulting in bodily injury, death, or disappearance of any person or damage to any vessel or other property in an apparent aggregate amount of at least $2,000 shall, within the time limits specified in 33 C.F.R. s. 173.55, forward a written report of the accident to the division. Whenever the operator of the vessel is incapable of making a written report, the owner of the vessel shall, within the time limits specified in 33 C.F.R. s. 173.55, make the report not made by the operator. However, when the investigating officer has made a written report of the accident pursuant to subsection (3), a written report need not be forwarded to the division by the operator.
(2) The division may require any operator of a vessel involved in an accident of which written report must be made as provided in this section to file supplemental written reports whenever the original report is insufficient in the opinion of the division, and may require any witness to the accident to render a report to the division.
(3) Every law enforcement officer who in the regular course of duty investigates a boating accident that resulted in bodily injury, death, or disappearance of any person or damage to any vessel or other property in an apparent aggregate amount of at least $2,000 shall, within 24 hours after completing the investigation, forward a written report of the accident to the division. However, in every case in which an accident report is required by this section and a written report by a law enforcement officer is not prepared, the law enforcement officer shall provide each party involved in the accident a short-form report, prescribed by the division, to be completed by the party. The short-form report must include, but is not limited to: the date, time, and location of the accident; a description of the vessels involved; the names and addresses of the parties involved; the names and addresses of witnesses; and the name, badge number, and law enforcement agency of the officer investigating the accident. Accident reports made by law enforcement officers may not be used for commercial solicitation purposes; however, use of an accident report for purposes of publication in a newspaper or other news periodical or a radio or television broadcast shall not be construed as a “commercial purpose.”
(4) Except as specified in this subsection, each accident report made by a person involved in an accident and any statement made by such person to a law enforcement officer for the purpose of completing an accident report required by this section is without prejudice to the individual reporting. Such report or statement may not be used as evidence in any trial, civil or criminal. However, subject to the applicable rules of evidence, a law enforcement officer who is a witness in a criminal trial may testify as to any statement made to the officer by the person involved in the accident if that person’s privilege against self-incrimination is not violated. The results of breath, urine, and blood tests administered as provided in s. 327.352 or s. 327.353 are not confidential and shall be admissible into evidence in accordance with the provisions of s. 327.354. Accident reports made by persons involved in accidents may not be used for commercial solicitation purposes; however, use of an accident report for purposes of publication in a newspaper or other news periodical or a radio or television broadcast shall not be construed as a “commercial purpose.”
(5) For the purposes of this section, a written report includes a report generated through the use of information technology resources as defined in s. 119.011.
(6) If the vessel is leased, rented, or chartered at the time of the accident, the person who offered the vessel for lease, rental, or charter shall be responsible for complying with this section and s. 327.30.
(7) Any person failing to file the written report required under subsection (1) or a supplemental written report when required by the division under subsection (2) is guilty of a noncriminal infraction.
History.—s. 17, ch. 96-330; s. 48, ch. 2002-1; s. 2, ch. 2004-74; s. 26, ch. 2014-221.
327.302 Accident report forms.—
(1) The commission shall prepare and, upon request, supply to police departments, sheriffs, and other appropriate agencies or individuals forms for accident reports as required in this chapter, suitable with respect to the persons required to make such reports and the purposes to be served. The forms must call for sufficiently detailed information to disclose, with reference to a boating accident, the cause and conditions existing at the time of the accident and the persons and vessels involved. Accident report forms may call for the policy numbers of liability insurance and the names of carriers covering any vessel involved in an accident required to be reported under this chapter.
(2) Every accident report required to be made in writing must be made on the appropriate form approved by the commission and must contain all the information required therein unless not available. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, an accident report produced electronically by a law enforcement officer must, at a minimum, contain the same information as is required on those forms approved by the commission.
History.—s. 5, ch. 2000-362.
327.31 Transmittal of information.—In accordance with any request made by an authorized official or agency of the United States, any information compiled or otherwise available to the Division of Law Enforcement concerning boating accidents or other data shall be transmitted to that official or agency of the United States and annual statistics shall be assembled as required by federal law.
History.—s. 1, ch. 59-399; s. 1, ch. 65-361; ss. 25, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 18, ch. 96-330.
Note.—Former s. 371.151.
327.32 Vessel declared dangerous instrumentality; civil liability.—All vessels, of whatever classification, shall be considered dangerous instrumentalities in this state, and any operator of a vessel shall, during any utilization of the vessel, exercise the highest degree of care in order to prevent injuries to others. Liability for reckless or careless operation of a vessel shall be confined to the operator in immediate charge of the vessel and not imposed upon the owner of the vessel, unless the owner is the operator or is present in the vessel when any injury or damage is occasioned by the reckless or careless operation of such vessel, whether such recklessness or carelessness consists of a violation of the provisions of the statutes of this state, or disregard in observing such care and such operation as the rules of the common law require.
History.—s. 3, ch. 59-400; s. 1, ch. 65-361; s. 5, ch. 84-188; s. 11, ch. 85-81.
Note.—Former s. 371.52.
327.33 Reckless or careless operation of vessel.—
(1) It is unlawful to operate a vessel in a reckless manner. A person who operates any vessel, or manipulates any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device, in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property at a speed or in a manner as to endanger, or likely to endanger, life or limb, or damage the property of, or injure a person is guilty of reckless operation of a vessel. Reckless operation of a vessel includes, but is not limited to, a violation of s. 327.331(6). A person who violates this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(2) A person who operates any vessel upon the waters of this state shall operate the vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner, having regard for other waterborne traffic, posted speed and wake restrictions, and all other attendant circumstances so as not to endanger the life, limb, or property of another person outside the vessel or to endanger the life, limb, or property of another person due to vessel overloading or excessive speed. The failure to operate a vessel in a manner described in this subsection constitutes careless operation. However, vessel wake and shoreline wash resulting from the reasonable and prudent operation of a vessel, absent negligence, does not constitute damage or endangerment to property. A person who violates this subsection commits a noncriminal violation as defined in s. 775.08.
(3) Each person operating a vessel upon the waters of this state shall comply with the navigation rules.
(a) A person who violates the navigation rules and the violation results in a boating accident causing serious bodily injury as defined in s. 327.353 or death, but the violation does not constitute reckless operation of a vessel, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(b) A person who violates the navigation rules and the violation does not constitute reckless operation of a vessel commits a noncriminal violation as defined in s. 775.08, punishable as provided in s. 327.73.
(c) Law enforcement vessels may deviate from the navigational rules when such diversion is necessary to the performance of their duties and when such deviation may be safely accomplished.
(4) Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, the ascertainment of fault in vessel operations and boating accidents shall be determined according to the navigation rules.
History.—s. 1, ch. 59-400; s. 3, ch. 63-105; s. 1, ch. 65-361; s. 6, ch. 81-100; s. 6, ch. 84-188; s. 6, ch. 86-35; s. 2, ch. 88-133; s. 2, ch. 89-136; s. 45, ch. 91-224; s. 1, ch. 92-92; s. 6, ch. 2000-362; s. 1, ch. 2011-152; s. 1, ch. 2016-134; s. 4, ch. 2016-171.
Note.—Former s. 371.50.
327.331 Divers; definitions; divers-down warning device required; obstruction to navigation of certain waters; penalty.—
(1) As used in this section:
(a) “Diver” means a person who is wholly or partially submerged in the waters of the state and is equipped with a face mask and snorkel or underwater breathing apparatus.
(b) “Divers-down buoy” means a buoyant device, other than a vessel, which displays a divers-down symbol on three or four flat sides.
(c) “Divers-down flag” means a flag that displays a divers-down symbol and:
1. Is square or rectangular and has a divers-down symbol on each face.
2. Has white diagonal stripes on each face which begin at the top, staff-side of the flag and extend diagonally to the lower opposite corner.
3. If rectangular, is of a length that is not less than the height or more than 25 percent longer than the height.
4. Has a wire, or other stiffener, or is otherwise constructed to ensure that it remains fully unfurled and extended in the absence of a wind or breeze.
(d) “Divers-down symbol” means a rectangular or square red symbol with a white diagonal stripe. If rectangular, the length may not be less than the height or more than 25 percent longer than the height. The width of the stripe must be 25 percent of the height of the symbol and the stripes must be oriented in the same direction if multiple stripes are displayed.
(e) “Divers-down warning device” means a divers-down flag, buoy, or other similar warning device that:
1. Contains a divers-down symbol that is at least 12 inches by 12 inches in dimension when displayed from the water or at least 20 by 24 inches in dimension when displayed from a vessel;
2. Is designed for, and used by, divers and dive vessels as a means to notify nearby boaters of the presence of a diver in the waters of the immediate area; and
3. Is prominently visible when in use.
(f) “Underwater breathing apparatus” means any apparatus, whether self-contained or connected to a distant source of air or other gas, whereby a person wholly or partially submerged in water is enabled to obtain or reuse air or any other gas or gases for breathing without returning to the surface of the water.
(2) All divers must prominently display a divers-down warning device in the area in which the diving occurs, other than when diving in an area customarily used for swimming only. A divers-down buoy may not be used or displayed onboard a vessel.
(3) A diver or group of divers may not display one or more divers-down warning devices on a river, inlet, or navigation channel, except in case of emergency, in a manner that unreasonably constitutes a navigational hazard.
(4) Divers shall make reasonable efforts to stay within 100 feet of a divers-down warning device on rivers, inlets, and navigation channels. A person operating a vessel on a river, inlet, or navigation channel must make a reasonable effort to maintain a distance of at least 100 feet from any divers-down warning device.
(5) Divers must make reasonable efforts to stay within 300 feet of a divers-down warning device on all waters other than rivers, inlets, and navigation channels. A person operating a vessel on waters other than a river, inlet, or navigation channel must make a reasonable effort to maintain a distance of at least 300 feet from any divers-down warning device.
(6) A vessel other than a law-enforcement or rescue vessel that approaches within 100 feet of a divers-down warning device on a river, inlet, or navigation channel, or within 300 feet of a divers-down warning device on waters other than a river, inlet, or navigation channel, must proceed no faster than is necessary to maintain headway and steerageway.
(7) A divers-down warning device may not be displayed once all divers are aboard or ashore. A person may not operate any vessel displaying a divers-down warning device unless the vessel has one or more divers in the water.
(8) A divers-down warning device displayed from a vessel must be displayed from the highest point of the vessel or another location that ensures that the visibility of the divers-down warning device is not obstructed from any direction.
(9) Except as provided in s. 327.33, a violation of this section is a noncriminal infraction punishable as provided in s. 327.73.
History.—ss. 1, 2, 3, ch. 74-344; s. 64, ch. 74-383; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 1, ch. 86-35; ss. 7, 8, ch. 2000-362; s. 1, ch. 2014-138; s. 1, ch. 2016-171.
Note.—Former s. 861.065.
327.34 Incapacity of operator.—It is unlawful for the owner of any vessel or any person having such in charge or in control to authorize or knowingly permit the same to be operated by any person who by reason of physical or mental disability is incapable of operating such vessel under the prevailing circumstances. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit operation of boats by paraplegics who are licensed to operate motor vehicles on the highways.
History.—s. 4, ch. 63-105; s. 1, ch. 65-361.
Note.—Former s. 371.504.
327.35 Boating under the influence; penalties; “designated drivers.”—
(1) A person is guilty of the offense of boating under the influence and is subject to punishment as provided in subsection (2) if the person is operating a vessel within this state and:
(a) The person is under the influence of alcoholic beverages, any chemical substance set forth in s. 877.111, or any substance controlled under chapter 893, when affected to the extent that the person’s normal faculties are impaired;
(b) The person has a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood; or
(c) The person has a breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.
(2)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), subsection (3), or subsection (4), any person who is convicted of a violation of subsection (1) shall be punished:
1. By a fine of:
a. Not less than $500 or more than $1,000 for a first conviction.
b. Not less than $1,000 or more than $2,000 for a second conviction; and
2. By imprisonment for:
a. Not more than 6 months for a first conviction.
b. Not more than 9 months for a second conviction.
The portion of a fine imposed in excess of $500 pursuant to sub-subparagraph 1.a. and the portion of a fine imposed in excess of $1,000 pursuant to sub-subparagraph 1.b., shall be remitted by the clerk to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund.
(b)1. Any person who is convicted of a third violation of this section for an offense that occurs within 10 years after a prior conviction for a violation of this section commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
2. Any person who is convicted of a third violation of this section for an offense that occurs more than 10 years after the date of a prior conviction for a violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $2,000 or more than $5,000 and by imprisonment for not more than 12 months. The portion of a fine imposed in excess of $2,500 pursuant to this subparagraph shall be remitted by the clerk to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund.
3. Any person who is convicted of a fourth or subsequent violation of this section, regardless of when any prior conviction for a violation of this section occurred, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
However, the fine imposed for such fourth or subsequent violation may not be less than $2,000. The portion of such fine imposed in excess of $1,000 shall be remitted by the clerk to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund.
(3) Any person:
(a) Who is in violation of subsection (1);
(b) Who operates a vessel; and
(c) Who, by reason of such operation, causes or contributes to causing:
1. Damage to the property or person of another commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
2. Serious bodily injury to another, as defined in s. 327.353, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
3. The death of any human being commits BUI manslaughter, and commits:
a. A felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
b. A felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, if:
(I) At the time of the accident, the person knew, or should have known, that the accident occurred; and
(II) The person failed to give information and render aid as required by s. 327.30.
This sub-subparagraph does not require that the person knew that the accident resulted in injury or death.
(4) Any person who is convicted of a violation of subsection (1) and who has a blood-alcohol level or breath-alcohol level of 0.15 or higher, or any person who is convicted of a violation of subsection (1) and who at the time of the offense was accompanied in the vessel by a person under the age of 18 years, shall be punished:
(a) By a fine of:
1. Not less than $1,000 or more than $2,000 for a first conviction.
2. Not less than $2,000 or more than $4,000 for a second conviction.
3. Not less than $4,000 for a third or subsequent conviction.
(b) By imprisonment for:
1. Not more than 9 months for a first conviction.
2. Not more than 12 months for a second conviction.
The portion of a fine imposed in excess of $1,000 pursuant to subparagraph (a)1. and the portion of a fine imposed in excess of $2,000 pursuant to subparagraph (a)2. or subparagraph (a)3., shall be remitted by the clerk to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund. For the purposes of this subsection, only the instant offense is required to be a violation of subsection (1) by a person who has a blood-alcohol level or breath-alcohol level of 0.15 or higher.
(5) In addition to any sentence or fine, the court shall place any offender convicted of violating this section on monthly reporting probation and shall require attendance at a substance abuse course specified by the court; and the agency conducting the course may refer the offender to an authorized service provider for substance abuse evaluation and treatment, in addition to any sentence or fine imposed under this section. The offender shall assume reasonable costs for such education, evaluation, and treatment, with completion of all such education, evaluation, and treatment being a condition of reporting probation. Treatment resulting from a psychosocial evaluation may not be waived without a supporting psychosocial evaluation conducted by an agency appointed by the court and with access to the original evaluation. The offender shall bear the cost of this procedure. The term “substance abuse” means the abuse of alcohol or any substance named or described in Schedules I-V of s. 893.03.
(6) With respect to any person convicted of a violation of subsection (1), regardless of any other penalty imposed:
(a) For the first conviction, the court shall place the defendant on probation for a period not to exceed 1 year and, as a condition of such probation, shall order the defendant to participate in public service or a community work project for a minimum of 50 hours. The court must also, as a condition of probation, order the impoundment or immobilization of the vessel that was operated by or in the actual control of the defendant or any one vehicle registered in the defendant’s name at the time of impoundment or immobilization, for a period of 10 days or for the unexpired term of any lease or rental agreement that expires within 10 days. The impoundment or immobilization must not occur concurrently with the incarceration of the defendant. The impoundment or immobilization order may be dismissed in accordance with paragraph (e) or paragraph (f). The total period of probation and incarceration may not exceed 1 year.
(b) For the second conviction for an offense that occurs within a period of 5 years after the date of a prior conviction for violation of this section, the court shall order imprisonment for not less than 10 days. The court must also, as a condition of probation, order the impoundment or immobilization of the vessel that was operated by or in the actual control of the defendant or any one vehicle registered in the defendant’s name at the time of impoundment or immobilization, for a period of 30 days or for the unexpired term of any lease or rental agreement that expires within 30 days. The impoundment or immobilization must not occur concurrently with the incarceration of the defendant. The impoundment or immobilization order may be dismissed in accordance with paragraph (e) or paragraph (f). At least 48 hours of confinement must be consecutive.
(c) For the third or subsequent conviction for an offense that occurs within a period of 10 years after the date of a prior conviction for violation of this section, the court shall order imprisonment for not less than 30 days. The court must also, as a condition of probation, order the impoundment or immobilization of the vessel that was operated by or in the actual control of the defendant or any one vehicle registered in the defendant’s name at the time of impoundment or immobilization, for a period of 90 days or for the unexpired term of any lease or rental agreement that expires within 90 days. The impoundment or immobilization must not occur concurrently with the incarceration of the defendant. The impoundment or immobilization order may be dismissed in accordance with paragraph (e) or paragraph (f). At least 48 hours of confinement must be consecutive.
(d) The court must at the time of sentencing the defendant issue an order for the impoundment or immobilization of a vessel. Within 7 business days after the date that the court issues the order of impoundment, and once again 30 business days before the actual impoundment or immobilization of the vessel, the clerk of the court must send notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the registered owner of each vessel, if the registered owner is a person other than the defendant, and to each person of record claiming a lien against the vessel.
(e) A person who owns but was not operating the vessel when the offense occurred may submit to the court a police report indicating that the vessel was stolen at the time of the offense or documentation of having purchased the vessel after the offense was committed from an entity other than the defendant or the defendant’s agent. If the court finds that the vessel was stolen or that the sale was not made to circumvent the order and allow the defendant continued access to the vessel, the order must be dismissed and the owner of the vessel will incur no costs. If the court denies the request to dismiss the order of impoundment or immobilization, the petitioner may request an evidentiary hearing.
(f) A person who owns but was not operating the vessel when the offense occurred, and whose vessel was stolen or who purchased the vessel after the offense was committed directly from the defendant or the defendant’s agent, may request an evidentiary hearing to determine whether the impoundment or immobilization should occur. If the court finds that either the vessel was stolen or the purchase was made without knowledge of the offense, that the purchaser had no relationship to the defendant other than through the transaction, and that such purchase would not circumvent the order and allow the defendant continued access to the vessel, the order must be dismissed and the owner of the vessel will incur no costs.
(g) All costs and fees for the impoundment or immobilization, including the cost of notification, must be paid by the owner of the vessel or, if the vessel is leased or rented, by the person leasing or renting the vessel, unless the impoundment or immobilization order is dismissed.
(h) The person who owns a vessel that is impounded or immobilized under this paragraph, or a person who has a lien of record against such a vessel and who has not requested a review of the impoundment pursuant to paragraph (e) or paragraph (f), may, within 10 days after the date that person has knowledge of the location of the vessel, file a complaint in the county in which the owner resides to determine whether the vessel was wrongfully taken or withheld from the owner or lienholder. Upon the filing of a complaint, the owner or lienholder may have the vessel released by posting with the court a bond or other adequate security equal to the amount of the costs and fees for impoundment or immobilization, including towing or storage, to ensure the payment of the costs and fees if the owner or lienholder does not prevail. When the bond is posted and the fee is paid as set forth in s. 28.24, the clerk of the court shall issue a certificate releasing the vessel. At the time of release, after reasonable inspection, the owner or lienholder must give a receipt to the towing or storage company indicating any loss or damage to the vessel or to the contents of the vessel.
(i) A defendant, in the court’s discretion, may be required to serve all or any portion of a term of imprisonment to which the defendant has been sentenced pursuant to this section in a residential alcoholism treatment program or a residential drug abuse treatment program. Any time spent in such a program must be credited by the court toward the term of imprisonment.
For the purposes of this section, any conviction for a violation of s. 316.193, a previous conviction for the violation of former s. 316.1931, former s. 860.01, or former s. 316.028, or a previous conviction outside this state for driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated, driving with an unlawful blood-alcohol level, driving with an unlawful breath-alcohol level, or any other similar alcohol-related or drug-related traffic offense, is also considered a previous conviction for violation of this section.
(7) A conviction under this section does not bar any civil suit for damages against the person so convicted.
(8) A person who is arrested for a violation of this section may not be released from custody:
(a) Until the person is no longer under the influence of alcoholic beverages, any chemical substance set forth in s. 877.111, or any substance controlled under chapter 893 and affected to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired;
(b) Until the person’s blood-alcohol level or breath-alcohol level is less than 0.05; or
(c) Until 8 hours have elapsed from the time the person was arrested.
(9) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, for any person convicted of a violation of subsection (1), in addition to the fines set forth in subsections (2) and (4), an additional fine of $60 shall be assessed and collected in the same manner as the fines set forth in subsections (2) and (4). All fines collected under this subsection shall be remitted by the clerk of the court to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program Trust Fund and used for the purposes set forth in s. 381.79, after 5 percent is deducted therefrom by the clerk of the court for administrative costs.
(10) It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage boaters to have a “designated driver” who does not consume alcoholic beverages.
History.—s. 2, ch. 59-400; s. 5, ch. 63-105; s. 1, ch. 65-361; s. 1, ch. 71-81; s. 22, ch. 73-331; s. 5, ch. 83-187; s. 7, ch. 84-188; s. 7, ch. 91-255; s. 8, ch. 93-124; s. 456, ch. 95-148; s. 19, ch. 96-330; s. 98, ch. 97-264; s. 49, ch. 97-271; s. 10, ch. 98-308; s. 14, ch. 98-324; s. 47, ch. 2000-152; s. 11, ch. 2000-320; s. 28, ch. 2001-122; s. 4, ch. 2002-78; s. 6, ch. 2002-263; s. 35, ch. 2008-111; s. 7, ch. 2009-86; s. 6, ch. 2010-161; s. 5, ch. 2015-34; s. 14, ch. 2016-105; s. 20, ch. 2019-58.
Note.—Former s. 371.51.
327.352 Tests for alcohol, chemical substances, or controlled substances; implied consent; refusal.—
(1)(a)1. The Legislature declares that the operation of a vessel is a privilege that must be exercised in a reasonable manner. In order to protect the public health and safety, it is essential that a lawful and effective means of reducing the incidence of boating while impaired or intoxicated be established. Therefore, a person who accepts the privilege extended by the laws of this state of operating a vessel within this state is, by operating such vessel, deemed to have given his or her consent to submit to an approved chemical test or physical test including, but not limited to, an infrared light test of his or her breath for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content of his or her blood or breath if the person is lawfully arrested for any offense allegedly committed while the person was operating a vessel while under the influence of alcoholic beverages. The chemical or physical breath test must be incidental to a lawful arrest and administered at the request of a law enforcement officer who has reasonable cause to believe such person was operating the vessel within this state while under the influence of alcoholic beverages. The administration of a breath test does not preclude the administration of another type of test. The person shall be told that his or her failure to submit to any lawful test of his or her breath under this chapter will result in a civil penalty of $500, and shall also be told that if he or she refuses to submit to a lawful test of his or her breath and he or she has been previously fined under s. 327.35215 or has previously had his or her driver license suspended for refusal to submit to any lawful test of his or her breath, urine, or blood, he or she commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, in addition to any other penalties provided by law. The refusal to submit to a chemical or physical breath test upon the request of a law enforcement officer as provided in this section is admissible into evidence in any criminal proceeding.
2. A person who accepts the privilege extended by the laws of this state of operating a vessel within this state is, by operating such vessel, deemed to have given his or her consent to submit to a urine test for the purpose of detecting the presence of chemical substances as set forth in s. 877.111 or controlled substances if the person is lawfully arrested for any offense allegedly committed while the person was operating a vessel while under the influence of chemical substances or controlled substances. The urine test must be incidental to a lawful arrest and administered at a detention facility or any other facility, mobile or otherwise, which is equipped to administer such tests at the request of a law enforcement officer who has reasonable cause to believe such person was operating a vessel within this state while under the influence of chemical substances or controlled substances. The urine test shall be administered at a detention facility or any other facility, mobile or otherwise, which is equipped to administer such test in a reasonable manner that will ensure the accuracy of the specimen and maintain the privacy of the individual involved. The administration of a urine test does not preclude the administration of another type of test. The person shall be told that his or her failure to submit to any lawful test of his or her urine under this chapter will result in a civil penalty of $500, and shall also be told that if he or she refuses to submit to a lawful test of his or her urine and he or she has been previously fined under s. 327.35215 or has previously had his or her driver license suspended for refusal to submit to any lawful test of his or her breath, urine, or blood, he or she commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, in addition to any other penalties provided by law. The refusal to submit to a urine test upon the request of a law enforcement officer as provided in this section is admissible into evidence in any criminal proceeding.
(b)1. The blood-alcohol level must be based upon grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. The breath-alcohol level must be based upon grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.
2. An analysis of a person’s breath, in order to be considered valid under this section, must have been performed substantially according to methods approved by the Department of Law Enforcement. Any insubstantial differences between approved techniques and actual testing procedures in any individual case do not render the test or test results invalid.
3. The Alcohol Testing Program within the Department of Law Enforcement is responsible for the regulation of the operation, inspection, and registration of breath test instruments utilized under the driving and boating under the influence provisions and related provisions located in this chapter and chapters 316 and 322. The program is responsible for the regulation of the individuals who operate, inspect, and instruct on the breath test instruments utilized in the driving and boating under the influence provisions and related provisions located in this chapter and chapters 316 and 322. The program is further responsible for the regulation of blood analysts who conduct blood testing to be utilized under the driving and boating under the influence provisions and related provisions located in this chapter and chapters 316 and 322. The program shall:
a. Establish uniform criteria for the issuance of permits to breath test operators, agency inspectors, instructors, blood analysts, and instruments.
b. Have the authority to permit breath test operators, agency inspectors, instructors, blood analysts, and instruments.
c. Have the authority to discipline and suspend, revoke, or renew the permits of breath test operators, agency inspectors, instructors, blood analysts, and instruments.
d. Establish uniform requirements for instruction and curricula for the operation and inspection of approved instruments.
e. Have the authority to specify one approved curriculum for the operation and inspection of approved instruments.
f. Establish a procedure for the approval of breath test operator and agency inspector classes.
g. Have the authority to approve or disapprove breath test instruments and accompanying paraphernalia for use pursuant to the driving and boating under the influence provisions and related provisions located in this chapter and chapters 316 and 322.
h. With the approval of the executive director of the Department of Law Enforcement, make and enter into contracts and agreements with other agencies, organizations, associations, corporations, individuals, or federal agencies as are necessary, expedient, or incidental to the performance of duties.
i. Issue final orders which include findings of fact and conclusions of law and which constitute final agency action for the purpose of chapter 120.
j. Enforce compliance with the provisions of this section through civil or administrative proceedings.
k. Make recommendations concerning any matter within the purview of this section, this chapter, chapter 316, or chapter 322.
l. Promulgate rules for the administration and implementation of this section, including definitions of terms.
m. Consult and cooperate with other entities for the purpose of implementing the mandates of this section.
n. Have the authority to approve the type of blood test utilized under the driving and boating under the influence provisions and related provisions located in this chapter and chapters 316 and 322.
o. Have the authority to specify techniques and methods for breath alcohol testing and blood testing utilized under the driving and boating under the influence provisions and related provisions located in this chapter and chapters 316 and 322.
p. Have the authority to approve repair facilities for the approved breath test instruments, including the authority to set criteria for approval.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede provisions in this chapter and chapters 316 and 322. The specifications in this section are derived from the power and authority previously and currently possessed by the Department of Law Enforcement and are enumerated to conform with the mandates of chapter 99-379, Laws of Florida.
(c) A person who accepts the privilege extended by the laws of this state of operating a vessel within this state is, by operating such vessel, deemed to have given his or her consent to submit to an approved blood test for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content of the blood or a blood test for the purpose of determining the presence of chemical substances or controlled substances as provided in this section if there is reasonable cause to believe the person was operating a vessel while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or chemical or controlled substances and the person appears for treatment at a hospital, clinic, or other medical facility and the administration of a breath or urine test is impractical or impossible. As used in this paragraph, the term “other medical facility” includes an ambulance or other medical emergency vehicle. The blood test shall be performed in a reasonable manner. A person who is incapable of refusal by reason of unconsciousness or other mental or physical condition is deemed not to have withdrawn his or her consent to such test. A person who is capable of refusal shall be told that his or her failure to submit to such a blood test will result in a civil penalty of $500. The refusal to submit to a blood test upon the request of a law enforcement officer shall be admissible in evidence in any criminal proceeding.
(d) If the arresting officer does not request a chemical or physical breath test of the person arrested for any offense allegedly committed while the person was operating a vessel while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, the person may request the arresting officer to have a chemical or physical test made of the arrested person’s breath or a test of the urine or blood for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content of the person’s blood or breath or the presence of chemical substances or controlled substances; and, if so requested, the arresting officer shall have the test performed.
(e)1. The tests determining the weight of alcohol in the defendant’s blood or breath shall be administered at the request of a law enforcement officer substantially in accordance with rules of the Department of Law Enforcement. However, the failure of a law enforcement officer to request the withdrawal of blood does not affect the admissibility of a test of blood withdrawn for medical purposes.
2. Only a physician, certified paramedic, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, other personnel authorized by a hospital to draw blood, or duly licensed clinical laboratory director, supervisor, technologist, or technician, acting at the request of a law enforcement officer, may withdraw blood for the purpose of determining its alcoholic content or the presence of chemical substances or controlled substances therein. However, the failure of a law enforcement officer to request the withdrawal of blood does not affect the admissibility of a test of blood withdrawn for medical purposes.
3. The person tested may, at his or her own expense, have a physician, registered nurse, other personnel authorized by a hospital to draw blood, or duly licensed clinical laboratory director, supervisor, technologist, or technician, or other person of his or her own choosing administer an independent test in addition to the test administered at the direction of the law enforcement officer for the purpose of determining the amount of alcohol in the person’s blood or breath or the presence of chemical substances or controlled substances at the time alleged, as shown by chemical analysis of his or her blood or urine, or by chemical or physical test of his or her breath. The failure or inability to obtain an independent test by a person does not preclude the admissibility in evidence of the test taken at the direction of the law enforcement officer. The law enforcement officer shall not interfere with the person’s opportunity to obtain the independent test and shall provide the person with timely telephone access to secure the test, but the burden is on the person to arrange and secure the test at the person’s own expense.
4. Upon the request of the person tested, full information concerning the results of the test taken at the direction of the law enforcement officer shall be made available to the person or his or her attorney. Full information is limited to the following:
a. The type of test administered and the procedures followed.
b. The time of the collection of the blood or breath sample analyzed.
c. The numerical results of the test indicating the alcohol content of the blood and breath.
d. The type and status of any permit issued by the Department of Law Enforcement which was held by the person who performed the test.
e. If the test was administered by means of a breath testing instrument, the date of performance of the most recent required inspection of such instrument.
Full information does not include manuals, schematics, or software of the instrument used to test the person or any other material that is not in the actual possession of the state. Additionally, full information does not include information in the possession of the manufacturer of the test instrument.
5. A hospital, clinical laboratory, medical clinic, or similar medical institution or physician, certified paramedic, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, other personnel authorized by a hospital to draw blood, or duly licensed clinical laboratory director, supervisor, technologist, or technician, or other person assisting a law enforcement officer does not incur any civil or criminal liability as a result of the withdrawal or analysis of a blood or urine specimen, or the chemical or physical test of a person’s breath pursuant to accepted medical standards when requested by a law enforcement officer, regardless of whether or not the subject resisted administration of the test.
(2) The results of any test administered pursuant to this section for the purpose of detecting the presence of any controlled substance shall not be admissible as evidence in a criminal prosecution for the possession of a controlled substance.
(3) Notwithstanding any provision of law pertaining to the confidentiality of hospital records or other medical records, information relating to the alcoholic content of the blood or breath or the presence of chemical substances or controlled substances in the blood obtained pursuant to this section shall be released to a court, prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, or law enforcement officer in connection with an alleged violation of s. 327.35 upon request for such information.
History.—s. 2, ch. 84-188; s. 3, ch. 88-82; s. 3, ch. 88-133; s. 8, ch. 91-255; s. 458, ch. 95-148; s. 21, ch. 96-330; s. 5, ch. 98-308; s. 3, ch. 2000-226; s. 7, ch. 2002-263; s. 2, ch. 2003-54; s. 2, ch. 2006-247; s. 6, ch. 2021-184.
327.35215 Penalty for failure to submit to test.—
(1) A person who is lawfully arrested for an alleged violation of s. 327.35 and who refuses to submit to a blood test, breath test, or urine test pursuant to s. 327.352 is subject to a civil penalty of $500.
(2) When a person refuses to submit to a blood test, breath test, or urine test pursuant to s. 327.352, a law enforcement officer who is authorized to make arrests for violations of this chapter shall file with the clerk of the court, on a form provided by the department, a certified statement that probable cause existed to arrest the person for a violation of s. 327.35 and that the person refused to submit to a test as required by s. 327.352. Along with the statement, the officer must also submit a sworn statement on a form provided by the department that the person has been advised of both the penalties for failure to submit to the blood, breath, or urine test and the procedure for requesting a hearing.
(3) A person who has been advised of the penalties pursuant to subsection (2) may, within 30 days afterwards, request a hearing before a county court judge. A request for a hearing tolls the period for payment of the civil penalty, and, if assessment of the civil penalty is sustained by the hearing and any subsequent judicial review, the civil penalty must be paid within 30 days after final disposition. The clerk of the court shall notify the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles of the final disposition of all actions filed under this section by electronic transmission in a format prescribed by the department. When the department receives the final disposition, the department shall enter the disposition on the person’s driving record.
(4) It is unlawful for any person who has not paid a civil penalty imposed pursuant to this section, or who has not requested a hearing with respect to the civil penalty, within 30 calendar days after receipt of notice of the civil penalty to operate a vessel upon the waters of this state. Violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(5) Moneys collected by the clerk of the court pursuant to this section shall be disposed of in the following manner:
(a) If the arresting officer was employed or appointed by a state law enforcement agency, the moneys shall be deposited into the Marine Resources Conservation Trust Fund and used to directly enhance the ability of law enforcement officers to perform law enforcement functions on state waters.
(b) If the arresting officer was employed or appointed by a county or municipal law enforcement agency, the moneys shall be deposited into the law enforcement trust fund of that agency.
History.—s. 6, ch. 98-308; s. 23, ch. 99-245; s. 3, ch. 2004-74; s. 7, ch. 2021-184.
327.353 Blood test for impairment or intoxication in cases of death or serious bodily injury; right to use reasonable force.—
(1)(a) If a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that a vessel operated by a person under the influence of alcoholic beverages, any chemical substances, or any controlled substances has caused the death or serious bodily injury of a human being, a law enforcement officer shall require the person operating or in actual physical control of the vessel to submit to a test of the person’s blood for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content thereof or the presence of chemical substances as set forth in s. 877.111 or any substance controlled under chapter 893. The law enforcement officer may use reasonable force if necessary to require the person to submit to the administration of the blood test. The blood test shall be performed in a reasonable manner. Notwithstanding s. 327.352, the testing required by this paragraph need not be incidental to a lawful arrest of the person.
(b) The term “serious bodily injury” means an injury to any person, including the operator, which consists of a physical condition that creates a substantial risk of death, serious personal disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
(2)(a) Only a physician, certified paramedic, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, other personnel authorized by a hospital to draw blood, or duly licensed clinical laboratory director, supervisor, technologist, or technician, acting at the request of a law enforcement officer, may withdraw blood for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content thereof or the presence of chemical substances or controlled substances therein. However, the failure of a law enforcement officer to request the withdrawal of blood shall not affect the admissibility of a test of blood withdrawn for medical purposes.
(b) A chemical analysis of the person’s blood to determine the alcoholic content thereof must have been performed substantially in accordance with methods approved by the Department of Law Enforcement and by an individual possessing a valid permit issued by the department for this purpose. The Department of Law Enforcement may approve satisfactory techniques or methods, ascertain the qualifications and competence of individuals to conduct such analyses, and issue permits that are subject to termination or revocation at the discretion of the department. Insubstantial differences between approved methods or techniques and actual testing procedures, or any insubstantial defects concerning the permit issued by the department, in any individual case, do not render the test or test results invalid.
(c) A hospital, clinical laboratory, medical clinic, or similar medical institution or physician, certified paramedic, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, other personnel authorized by a hospital to draw blood, or duly licensed clinical laboratory director, supervisor, technologist, or technician, or other person assisting a law enforcement officer shall not incur any civil or criminal liability as a result of the withdrawal or analysis of a blood specimen pursuant to accepted medical standards when requested by a law enforcement officer, regardless of whether or not the subject resisted administration of the test.
(3)(a) Any criminal charge resulting from the incident giving rise to the officer’s demand for testing shall be tried concurrently with a charge of any violation arising out of the same incident, unless, in the discretion of the court, such charges should be tried separately. If the charges are tried separately, the fact that the person refused, resisted, obstructed, or opposed testing is admissible at the trial of the criminal offense which gave rise to the demand for testing.
(b) The results of any test administered pursuant to this section for the purpose of detecting the presence of any controlled substance are not admissible as evidence in a criminal prosecution for the possession of a controlled substance.
(4) Notwithstanding any provision of law pertaining to the confidentiality of hospital records or other medical records, information relating to the alcoholic content of the blood or the presence of chemical substances or controlled substances in the blood obtained pursuant to this section shall be released to a court, prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, or law enforcement officer in connection with an alleged violation of s. 327.35 upon request for such information.
History.—s. 3, ch. 84-188; s. 26, ch. 87-243; s. 4, ch. 87-392; s. 11, ch. 91-255; s. 460, ch. 95-148; s. 22, ch. 96-330; s. 8, ch. 2002-263.
327.354 Presumption of impairment; testing methods.—
(1) It is unlawful and punishable as provided in s. 327.35 for any person who is under the influence of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, when affected to the extent that the person’s normal faculties are impaired or to the extent that the person is deprived of full possession of normal faculties, to operate any vessel within this state. Such normal faculties include, but are not limited to, the ability to see, hear, walk, talk, judge distances, drive an automobile, make judgments, act in emergencies, and, in general, normally perform the many mental and physical acts of daily life.
(2) At the trial of any civil or criminal action or proceeding arising out of acts alleged to have been committed by any person while operating a vessel while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, when affected to the extent that the person’s normal faculties were impaired or to the extent that he or she was deprived of full possession of his or her normal faculties, the results of any test administered in accordance with s. 327.352 or s. 327.353 and this section are admissible into evidence when otherwise admissible, and the amount of alcohol in the person’s blood or breath at the time alleged, as shown by chemical analysis of the person’s blood, or by chemical or physical test of the person’s breath, gives rise to the following presumptions:
(a) If there was at that time a blood-alcohol level or breath-alcohol level of 0.05 or less, it is presumed that the person was not under the influence of alcoholic beverages to the extent that his or her normal faculties were impaired.
(b) If there was at that time a blood-alcohol level or breath-alcohol level in excess of 0.05 but less than 0.08, that fact does not give rise to any presumption that the person was or was not under the influence of alcoholic beverages to the extent that his or her normal faculties were impaired but may be considered with other competent evidence in determining whether the person was under the influence of alcoholic beverages to the extent that his or her normal faculties were impaired.
(c) If there was at that time a blood-alcohol level or breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or higher, that fact is prima facie evidence that the person was under the influence of alcoholic beverages to the extent that his or her normal faculties were impaired. Any person who operates a vessel and who has a blood-alcohol level or breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or higher is guilty of operating a vessel with an unlawful blood-alcohol level or breath-alcohol level.
The presumptions provided in this subsection do not limit the introduction of any other competent evidence bearing upon the question of whether the person was under the influence of alcoholic beverages to the extent that his or her normal faculties were impaired.
(3) A chemical analysis of a person’s blood to determine alcoholic content or a chemical or physical test of a person’s breath, in order to be considered valid under this section, must have been performed substantially in accordance with methods approved by the Department of Law Enforcement and by an individual possessing a valid permit issued by the department for this purpose. Insubstantial differences between approved techniques and actual testing procedures or insubstantial defects concerning the permit issued by the department, in any individual case, do not render the test or test results invalid. The Department of Law Enforcement may approve satisfactory techniques or methods, ascertain the qualifications and competence of individuals to conduct such analyses, and issue permits subject to termination or revocation in accordance with rules adopted by the department.
(4) Any person charged with a violation of s. 327.35 is entitled to trial by jury according to the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure.
(5) An affidavit containing the results of any test of a person’s blood or breath to determine its alcohol content, as authorized by s. 327.352 or s. 327.353, is admissible in evidence under the exception to the hearsay rule in s. 90.803(8) for public records and reports. The affidavit is admissible without further authentication and is presumptive proof of the results of an authorized test to determine alcohol content of the blood or breath if the affidavit discloses:
(a) The type of test administered and the procedures followed;
(b) The time of the collection of the blood or breath sample analyzed;
(c) The numerical results of the test indicating the alcohol content of the blood or breath;
(d) The type and status of any permit issued by the Department of Law Enforcement which was held by the person who performed the test; and
(e) If the test was administered by means of a breath testing instrument, the date of performance of the most recent required maintenance on such instrument.
The Department of Law Enforcement shall provide a form for the affidavit. Admissibility of the affidavit does not abrogate the right of the person tested to subpoena the person who administered the test for examination as an adverse witness at a civil or criminal trial or other proceeding.
History.—s. 4, ch. 84-188; s. 4, ch. 88-82; s. 9, ch. 91-255; s. 24, ch. 92-58; s. 10, ch. 93-124; s. 461, ch. 95-148; s. 23, ch. 96-330.
327.355 Operation of vessels by persons under 21 years of age who have consumed alcoholic beverages.—
(1)(a) Notwithstanding s. 327.35, it is unlawful for a person under the age of 21 who has a breath-alcohol level of 0.02 or higher to operate or be in actual physical control of a vessel.
(b) A law enforcement officer who has probable cause to believe that a vessel is being operated by or is in the actual physical control of a person who is under the age of 21 while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or who has any breath-alcohol level may lawfully detain such a person and may request that person to submit to a test to determine his or her breath-alcohol level. If the person under the age of 21 refuses to submit to such testing, the law enforcement officer shall warn the person that failure to submit to the breath test will result in the required performance of 50 hours of public service and that his or her vessel operating privilege will be suspended until the public service is performed. Failure or refusal to submit to a breath test after this warning is a violation of this section.
(2) Any person under the age of 21 who accepts the privilege extended by the laws of this state of operating a vessel upon the waters of this state, by so operating such vessel, is deemed to have expressed his or her consent to the provisions of this section.
(3) A breath test to determine breath-alcohol level pursuant to this section may be conducted as authorized by s. 316.1932 or s. 327.352, or by a preliminary alcohol screening test device listed in the United States Department of Transportation’s conforming-product list of evidential breath-measurement devices. The reading from such a device is admissible in evidence in any trial or hearing.
(4) A violation of this section is a noncriminal infraction, and being detained pursuant to this section does not constitute an arrest. This section does not bar prosecution under s. 327.35, and the penalties provided herein shall be imposed in addition to any other penalty provided for boating under the influence or for refusal to submit to testing.
(5) A person convicted of a violation of subsection (1) shall be ordered by the court to:
(a) Participate in public service or a community work project for a minimum of 50 hours;
(b) Refrain from operating any vessel until the 50 hours of public service or community work has been performed; and
(c) Enroll in, attend, and successfully complete, at his or her own expense, a classroom or online boating safety course that meets minimum standards established by commission rule.
(6) For the purposes of this section, “conviction” means a finding of guilt or the acceptance of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, regardless of whether or not adjudication was withheld. Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 948.01, no court may suspend, defer, or withhold imposition of sentence for any violation of this section. Any person who operates any vessel on the waters of this state while his or her vessel operating privilege is suspended pursuant to this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 8, ch. 98-308; s. 9, ch. 2000-362; s. 1, ch. 2014-136.
327.359 Refusal to submit to testing; penalties.—A person who has refused to submit to a chemical or physical test of his or her breath or urine, as described in s. 327.352, and who has been previously fined under s. 327.35215 or has previously had his or her driver license suspended for refusal to submit to a lawful test of his or her breath, urine, or blood, and:
(1) Who the arresting law enforcement officer had probable cause to believe was operating or in actual physical control of a vessel in this state while under the influence of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances;
(2) Who was placed under lawful arrest for a violation of s. 327.35 unless such test was requested pursuant to s. 327.352(1)(c);
(3) Who was informed that if he or she refused to submit to such test, he or she is subject to a fine of $500;
(4) Who was informed that a refusal to submit to a lawful test of his or her breath or urine, if he or she has been previously fined under s. 327.35215 or has previously had his or her driver license suspended for refusal to submit to a lawful test of his or her breath, urine, or blood, is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083; and
(5) Who, after having been so informed, refused to submit to any such test when requested to do so by a law enforcement officer or correctional officer
commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 9, ch. 2002-263; s. 8, ch. 2021-184.
327.36 Mandatory adjudication; prohibition against accepting plea to lesser included offense.—
(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 948.01, no court may suspend, defer, or withhold adjudication of guilt or imposition of sentence for any violation of s. 327.35, for manslaughter resulting from the operation of a vessel, or for vessel homicide.
(2)(a) No trial judge may accept a plea of guilty to a lesser offense from a person who is charged with a violation of s. 327.35, manslaughter resulting from the operation of a vessel, or vessel homicide and who has been given a breath or blood test to determine blood or breath alcohol content, the results of which show a blood-alcohol level or breath-alcohol level of 0.15 or more.
(b) A trial judge may not accept a plea of guilty to a lesser offense from a person charged with a felony violation of s. 327.35, manslaughter resulting from the operation of a vessel, or vessel homicide.
History.—s. 27, ch. 87-243; s. 5, ch. 87-392; s. 10, ch. 91-255; s. 24, ch. 96-330; s. 10, ch. 2000-362; s. 8, ch. 2009-86.
327.37 Water skis, parasails, aquaplanes, kiteboarding, kitesurfing, and moored ballooning regulated.—
(1)(a) A person may not operate a vessel on any waters of this state towing a person on water skis, or an aquaplane, or similar device unless there is in such vessel a person, in addition to the operator, in a position to observe the progress of the person being towed, or the vessel is equipped with a wide-angle rear view mirror mounted in such manner as to permit the operator of the vessel to observe the progress of the person being towed. This subsection does not apply to class A motorboats operated by the person being towed and designed to be incapable of carrying the operator in the motorboat.
(b) A person may not operate a vessel on any waters of this state towing a person attached to a parasail or similar device unless there is a person in the vessel, in addition to the operator, in a position to observe the progress of the person being towed. A wide-angle rear view mirror is not acceptable for this purpose.
(2)(a) A person may not engage in water skiing, parasailing, aquaplaning, or any similar activity at any time between the hours from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.
(b) A person may not engage in water skiing, parasailing, aquaplaning, or any similar activity unless such person is wearing a noninflatable personal flotation device currently approved by the United States Coast Guard and used in accordance with the United States Coast Guard approval label.
(3) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a performer engaged in a professional exhibition or a person preparing to participate or participating in an official regatta, boat race, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition held pursuant to s. 327.48.
(4) A person may not operate or manipulate any vessel, tow rope, or other device by which the direction or location of water skis, parasail, aquaplane, innertube, sled, or similar device may be affected or controlled, in such a way as to cause the water skis, parasail, aquaplane, innertube, sled, or similar device or any person thereon to collide or strike against or be likely to collide or strike against any vessel, bridge, wharf, pier, dock, buoy, platform, piling, channel marker, or other object, except slalom buoys, ski jumps, or like objects used normally in competitive or recreational skiing.
(5) A person may not operate any vessel towing a parasail or engage in parasailing or moored ballooning within 100 feet of the marked channel of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway or within 2 miles of the boundary of any airport unless otherwise permitted under federal law.
(6) A person may not engage in kiteboarding or kitesurfing within an area that extends 1 mile in a direct line along the centerline of an airport runway and that has a width measuring one-half mile unless otherwise permitted under federal law.
History.—s. 5, ch. 59-400; s. 9, ch. 63-105; s. 1, ch. 65-361; s. 8, ch. 84-188; s. 6, ch. 87-392; s. 4, ch. 94-241; s. 1, ch. 99-162; s. 11, ch. 2000-362; s. 3, ch. 2014-70; s. 1, ch. 2015-161.
Note.—Former s. 371.54.
327.371 Human-powered vessels regulated.—
(1) A person may operate a human-powered vessel within the boundaries of the marked channel of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway as defined in s. 327.02:
(a) When the marked channel is the only navigable portion of the waterway available due to vessel congestion or obstructions on the water. The operator of the human-powered vessel shall proceed with diligence to a location where he or she may safely operate the vessel outside the marked channel of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway.
(b) When crossing the marked channel, provided that the crossing is done in the most direct, continuous, and expeditious manner possible and does not interfere with other vessel traffic in the channel.
(c) During an emergency endangering life or limb.
(2) A person may not operate a human-powered vessel in the marked channel of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway except as provided in subsection (1).
(3) A person who violates this section commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable as provided in s. 327.73.
History.—s. 9, ch. 2021-184.
327.375 Commercial parasailing.—
(1) The operator of a vessel engaged in commercial parasailing shall ensure that the provisions of this section and s. 327.37 are met.
(2) The owner or operator of a vessel engaged in commercial parasailing may not offer or provide for consideration any parasailing activity unless the owner or operator first obtains and maintains in full force and effect a liability insurance policy from an insurance carrier licensed in this state or approved by the Office of Insurance Regulation or an eligible surplus lines insurer. Such policy must provide bodily injury liability coverage in the amounts of at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million annual aggregate. Proof of insurance must be available for inspection at the location where commercial parasailing is offered or provided for consideration, and each customer who requests such proof shall be provided with the insurance carrier’s name and address and the insurance policy number.
(3) The operator of a vessel engaged in commercial parasailing must have a current and valid license issued by the United States Coast Guard authorizing the operator to carry passengers for hire. The license must be appropriate for the number of passengers carried and the displacement of the vessel. The license must be carried on the vessel and be available for inspection while engaging in commercial parasailing activities.
(4) A vessel engaged in commercial parasailing must be equipped with a functional VHF marine transceiver and a separate electronic device capable of providing access to National Weather Service forecasts and current weather conditions.
(5)(a) Commercial parasailing is prohibited if the current observed wind conditions in the area of operation include a sustained wind speed of more than 20 miles per hour; if wind gusts are 15 miles per hour higher than the sustained wind speed; if the wind speed during gusts exceeds 25 miles per hour; if rain or heavy fog results in reduced visibility of less than 0.5 mile; or if a known lightning storm comes within 7 miles of the parasailing area.
(b) The operator of the vessel engaged in commercial parasailing shall use all available means to determine prevailing and forecasted weather conditions and record this information in a weather log each time passengers are to be taken out on the water. The weather log must be available for inspection at all times at the operator’s place of business.
(6) A person or operator who violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 4, ch. 2014-70.
327.38 Skiing prohibited while intoxicated or under influence of drugs.—No person shall manipulate any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device from a vessel while intoxicated or under the influence of any narcotic drug, barbiturate, or marijuana, to the extent that the person’s normal faculties are impaired.
History.—s. 4, ch. 59-400; s. 8, ch. 63-105; s. 1, ch. 65-361; s. 462, ch. 95-148.
Note.—Former s. 371.53.
327.39 Personal watercraft regulated.—
(1) A person may not operate a personal watercraft unless each person riding on or being towed behind such vessel is wearing a personal flotation device, other than an inflatable device, currently approved by the United States Coast Guard and used in accordance with the United States Coast Guard approval label.
(2) A person operating a personal watercraft equipped by the manufacturer with a lanyard type engine cutoff switch must attach such lanyard to his or her person, clothing, or personal flotation device as is appropriate for the specific vessel.
(3) A person may not operate a personal watercraft at any time between the hours from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. However, an agent or employee of a fire or emergency rescue service is exempt from this subsection while performing his or her official duties.
(4) A personal watercraft must at all times be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner. Maneuvers which unreasonably or unnecessarily endanger life, limb, or property, including, but not limited to, weaving through congested vessel traffic, jumping the wake of another vessel unreasonably or unnecessarily close to such other vessel or when visibility around such other vessel is obstructed, and swerving at the last possible moment to avoid collision shall constitute reckless operation of a vessel, as provided in s. 327.33(1). Any person operating a personal watercraft must comply with the provisions of s. 327.33.
(5) No person under the age of 14 shall operate any personal watercraft on the waters of this state.
(6)(a) It is unlawful for the owner of any personal watercraft or any person having charge over or control of a personal watercraft to authorize or knowingly permit the same to be operated by a person under 14 years of age in violation of this section.
(b)1. It is unlawful for the owner of any leased, hired, or rented personal watercraft, or any person having charge over or control of a leased, hired, or rented personal watercraft, to authorize or knowingly permit the watercraft to be operated by any person who has not received instruction in the safe handling of personal watercraft, in compliance with rules established by the commission.
2. Any person receiving instruction in the safe handling of personal watercraft pursuant to a program established by rule of the commission must provide the owner of, or person having charge of or control over, a leased, hired, or rented personal watercraft with a written statement attesting to the same.
3. The commission shall have the authority to establish rules pursuant to chapter 120 prescribing the instruction to be given, which shall take into account the nature and operational characteristics of personal watercraft and general principles and regulations pertaining to boating safety.
(c) Any person who violates this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(7) This section does not apply to a performer engaged in a professional exhibition or a person preparing to participate or participating in a regatta, race, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition held in compliance with s. 327.48.
History.—s. 3, ch. 89-136; s. 1, ch. 94-295; s. 953, ch. 95-148; s. 12, ch. 2000-362; s. 2, ch. 2015-161.
327.391 Airboats regulated.—
(1) The exhaust of every internal combustion engine used on any airboat operated on the waters of this state shall be provided with an automotive-style factory muffler, underwater exhaust, or other manufactured device capable of adequately muffling the sound of the exhaust of the engine as described in s. 327.02(31). The use of cutouts or flex pipe as the sole source of muffling is prohibited, except as provided in subsection (4). A person who violates this subsection commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable as provided in s. 327.73(1).
(2) An airboat operator cited for an infraction of subsection (1) may not operate the airboat until a muffler as defined in s. 327.02 is installed.
(3) An airboat may not operate on the waters of the state unless it is equipped with a mast or flagpole bearing a flag at a height of at least 10 feet above the lowest portion of the vessel. The flag must be square or rectangular, at least 10 inches by 12 inches in size, international orange in color, and displayed so that the visibility of the flag is not obscured in any direction. Any person who violates this subsection commits a noncriminal infraction punishable as provided in s. 327.73(1).
(4) This section does not apply to a person participating in an event for which a permit is required, or of which notice must be given, under s. 327.48.
(5)(a) A person may not operate an airboat to carry one or more passengers for hire on waters of this state unless he or she has all of the following onboard the airboat:
1. A photographic identification card.
2. Proof of completion of a boater education course that complies with s. 327.395(2)(a). Except as provided in paragraph (b), no operator is exempt from this requirement, regardless of age or the exemptions provided under s. 327.395.
3. Proof of successful completion of a commission-approved airboat operator course that meets the minimum standards established by commission rule.
4. Proof of successful course completion in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid.
(b) A person issued a captain’s license by the United States Coast Guard is not required to complete a boating safety education course that complies with s. 327.395(2)(a). Proof of the captain’s license must be onboard the airboat when carrying one or more passengers for hire on waters of this state.
(c) A person who violates this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(d) The commission shall adopt rules to implement this subsection no later than October 1, 2018.
History.—s. 2, ch. 2006-172; s. 6, ch. 2014-70; s. 23, ch. 2015-2; s. 3, ch. 2017-163; s. 2, ch. 2018-137; s. 10, ch. 2021-184.
327.395 Boating safety education.—
(1) A person born on or after January 1, 1988, may not operate a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater unless such person has in his or her possession aboard the vessel the documents required by subsection (2).
(2) While operating a vessel, a person identified under subsection (1) must have in his or her possession aboard the vessel photographic identification and a Florida boating safety identification card issued by the commission; a state-issued identification card or driver license indicating possession of the Florida boating safety identification card; or photographic identification and a temporary certificate issued or approved by the commission, an International Certificate of Competency, a boating safety card or certificate from another state or United States territory, or a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card, which shows that he or she has:
(a) Completed a commission-approved boating safety education course that meets the minimum requirements established by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators;
(b) Passed a temporary certificate examination developed or approved by the commission;
(c) A valid International Certificate of Competency; or
(d) Completed a boating safety education course or equivalency examination in another state, a United States territory, or Canada which meets or exceeds the minimum requirements established by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.
(3)(a) A person may obtain a Florida boating safety identification card by successfully completing a boating safety education course that meets the requirements of this section and rules adopted by the commission pursuant to this section.
(b) A person may obtain a temporary certificate by passing a temporary certificate examination that meets the requirements of this section and rules adopted by the commission pursuant to this section.
(4) A commission-approved boating safety education course or temporary certificate examination developed or approved by the commission must include a component regarding diving vessels, awareness of divers in the water, divers-down warning devices, and the requirements of s. 327.331.
(5) A Florida boating safety identification card issued to a person who has completed a boating safety education course is valid for life. A temporary certificate issued to a person who has passed a temporary certification examination is valid for 90 days after the date of issuance. The commission may issue either the boating safety identification card or the temporary certificate in a digital, electronic, or paper format.
(6) A person is exempt from subsection (1) if he or she:
(a)1. Is licensed by the United States Coast Guard to serve as master of a vessel; or
2. Has been previously licensed by the United States Coast Guard to serve as master of a vessel, provides proof of such licensure to the commission, and requests that a boating safety identification card be issued in his or her name.
(b) Operates a vessel only on a private lake or pond.
(c) Is accompanied in the vessel by a person who is exempt from this section or who holds a boating safety identification card in compliance with this section, who is 18 years of age or older, and who is attendant to the operation of the vessel and responsible for the safe operation of the vessel and for any violation that occurs during the operation of the vessel.
(d) Is a nonresident who has in his or her possession photographic identification and proof that he or she has completed a boating safety education course or equivalency examination in another state or a United States territory which meets or exceeds the minimum requirements established by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.
(e) Is operating a vessel within 90 days after the purchase of that vessel and has available for inspection aboard that vessel a bill of sale meeting the requirements of s. 328.46(1).
(f) Is operating a vessel within 90 days after completing a boating safety education course in accordance with paragraph (2)(a) and has a photographic identification card and a boating safety education certificate available for inspection as proof of having completed a boating safety education course. The boating safety education certificate must provide, at a minimum, the student’s first and last name, the student’s date of birth, and the date that he or she passed the course examination.
(g) Is exempted by rule of the commission.
(7) A person who operates a vessel in violation of this section commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable as provided in s. 327.73.
(8) The commission shall institute and coordinate a statewide program of boating safety instruction and certification to ensure that boating safety courses and examinations are available in each county of this state. The commission may appoint agents to administer the boating safety education course or temporary certificate examination and may authorize the agents to issue temporary certificates in digital, electronic, or paper format. An agent shall charge and collect the $2 fee required in subsection (9) for each temporary certificate requested of the commission by that agent, which must be forwarded to the commission. The agent may charge and keep a service fee.
(9) The commission may establish and collect a $2 fee for each card and temporary certificate issued pursuant to this section.
(10) The commission shall design forms and adopt rules pursuant to chapter 120 to implement this section.
(11) This section may be cited as the “Osmany ‘Ozzie’ Castellanos Boating Safety Education Act.”
History.—s. 1, ch. 96-187; s. 24, ch. 99-245; s. 13, ch. 2000-362; s. 35, ch. 2005-2; s. 9, ch. 2009-86; s. 2, ch. 2011-152; s. 2, ch. 2014-138; s. 3, ch. 2016-4; s. 2, ch. 2016-171; s. 1, ch. 2019-54; s. 11, ch. 2021-184.
327.40 Uniform waterway markers.—
(1) Waters of this state shall be marked only in conformity with the United States Aids to Navigation System, 33 C.F.R. part 62.
(2)(a) Application for marking inland lakes and state waters and any navigable waters under concurrent jurisdiction of the Coast Guard and the division shall be made to the division, accompanied by a map locating the approximate placement of markers, a list of the markers to be placed, a statement of the specification of the markers, a statement of the purpose of marking, and the names of persons responsible for the placement and upkeep of such markers. The division will assist the applicant to secure the proper permission from the Coast Guard where required, make such investigations as needed, and issue a permit. The division shall furnish the applicant with the information concerning the system adopted and the rules existing for placing and maintaining the markers. The division shall keep records of all approvals given and counsel with individuals, counties, municipalities, motorboat clubs, or other groups desiring to mark waterways for safety and navigation purposes in Florida.
(b)1. No person or municipality, county, or other governmental entity shall place any uniform waterway marker in, on, or over the waters or shores of the state without a permit from the division.
2. The placement of information markers by counties, municipalities, or other governmental entities on inland lakes and their associated canals are exempt from permitting under this section.
(c) The commission is authorized to adopt rules pursuant to chapter 120 to implement this section.
(3) The placement under this section or s. 327.41 of any uniform waterway marker on state submerged lands does not subject such lands to the lease requirements of chapter 253.
History.—s. 6, ch. 63-105; s. 1, ch. 65-361; ss. 25, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 4, ch. 90-219; s. 14, ch. 2000-362; s. 1, ch. 2005-217; s. 10, ch. 2009-86.
Note.—Former s. 371.521.
327.41 Uniform waterway regulatory markers.—
(1) The commission shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 120 establishing a uniform system of regulatory markers for the waters of the state, compatible with the system of regulatory markers prescribed by the United States Coast Guard in the United States Aids to Navigation System, 33 C.F.R. part 62.
(2) Any county or municipality which has been granted a boating-restricted area designation, by rule of the commission pursuant to s. 327.46(1)(a), for a portion of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway within its jurisdiction or which has adopted a boating-restricted area by ordinance pursuant to s. 327.46(1)(b) or (c) or s. 379.2431(2)(p), or any other governmental entity which has legally established a boating-restricted area, may apply to the commission for permission to place regulatory markers within the boating-restricted area.
(3) Application for placing regulatory markers in the waters of the state shall be made to the division as provided in s. 327.40.
(4) No person or municipality, county, or other governmental entity shall place any regulatory markers in, on, or over the waters of the state or the shores thereof without a permit from the division pursuant to s. 327.40.
(5) Aquaculture leaseholds shall be marked as required by this section, and the commission may approve alternative marking requirements as a condition of the lease pursuant to s. 253.68. The provisions of this section notwithstanding, no permit shall be required for the placement of markers required by such a lease.
(6) The commission is authorized to adopt rules pursuant to chapter 120 to implement this section.
History.—s. 2, ch. 72-55; s. 158, ch. 94-356; s. 9, ch. 96-247; s. 25, ch. 99-245; s. 15, ch. 2000-362; s. 18, ch. 2002-264; s. 195, ch. 2008-247; s. 11, ch. 2009-86.
Note.—Former s. 371.523.
327.4107 Vessels at risk of becoming derelict on waters of this state.—
(1) To prevent vessels in neglected or deteriorating condition from reaching a likely and foreseeable state of disrepair, a vessel that is at risk of becoming derelict pursuant to subsection (2) may not anchor on, moor on, or occupy the waters of this state.
(2) An officer of the commission or of a law enforcement agency specified in s. 327.70 may determine that a vessel is at risk of becoming derelict if any of the following conditions exist:
(a) The vessel is taking on or has taken on water without an effective means to dewater.
(b) Spaces on the vessel that are designed to be enclosed are incapable of being sealed off or remain open to the elements for extended periods of time.
(c) The vessel has broken loose or is in danger of breaking loose from its anchor.
(d) The vessel is listing due to water intrusion.
(e) The vessel does not have an effective means of propulsion for safe navigation within 72 hours after the vessel owner or operator receives telephonic notice, in-person notice recorded on an agency-approved body camera, or written notice, which may be provided by facsimile, electronic mail, or other electronic means, stating such from an officer, and the vessel owner or operator is unable to provide a receipt, proof of purchase, or other documentation of having ordered necessary parts for vessel repair. The commission may adopt rules to implement this paragraph.
(3) A person who anchors or moors a vessel at risk of becoming derelict on the waters of this state or allows such a vessel to occupy such waters commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable as provided in s. 327.73.
(4) The penalty under this section is in addition to other penalties provided by law.
(5) The commission, an officer of the commission, or a law enforcement agency or officer specified in s. 327.70 may relocate or cause to be relocated an at-risk vessel found to be in violation of this section to a distance greater than 20 feet from a mangrove or upland vegetation. The commission, an officer of the commission, or a law enforcement agency or officer acting pursuant to this subsection upon waters of this state shall be held harmless for all damages to the at-risk vessel resulting from such relocation unless the damage results from gross negligence or willful misconduct as these terms are defined in s. 823.11.
(6) This section does not apply to a vessel that is moored to a private dock or wet slip with the consent of the owner for the purpose of receiving repairs.
(7) The commission may establish a derelict vessel prevention program to address vessels at risk of becoming derelict. Such program may, but is not required to, include:
(a) Removal, relocation, and destruction of vessels declared a public nuisance, derelict or at risk of becoming derelict, or lost or abandoned in accordance with s. 327.53(7), s. 327.73(1)(aa), s. 705.103(2) and (4), or s. 823.11(3).
(b) Creation of a vessel turn-in program allowing the owner of a vessel determined by law enforcement to be at risk of becoming derelict in accordance with this section to turn his or her vessel and vessel title over to the commission to be destroyed without penalty.
(c) Providing for removal and destruction of an abandoned vessel for which an owner cannot be identified or the owner of which is deceased and no heir is interested in acquiring the vessel.
(d) Purchase of anchor line, anchors, and other equipment necessary for securing vessels at risk of becoming derelict.
(e) Creating or acquiring moorings designated for securing vessels at risk of becoming derelict.
The commission may adopt rules to implement this subsection. Implementation of the derelict vessel prevention program shall be subject to appropriation by the Legislature and shall be funded by the Marine Resources Conservation Trust Fund or the Florida Coastal Protection Trust Fund.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2016-108; s. 4, ch. 2017-163; s. 12, ch. 2021-184.
327.4108 Anchoring of vessels in anchoring limitation areas.—
(1) The following densely populated urban areas, which have narrow state waterways, residential docking facilities, and significant recreational boating traffic, are designated as and shall be considered to be grandfathered-in anchoring limitation areas, within which a person may not anchor a vessel at any time during the period between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise, except as provided in 1subsections (4) and (5):
(a) The section of Middle River lying between Northeast 21st Court and the Intracoastal Waterway in Broward County.
(b) Sunset Lake in Miami-Dade County.
(c) The sections of Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County lying between:
1. Rivo Alto Island and Di Lido Island.
2. San Marino Island and San Marco Island.
3. San Marco Island and Biscayne Island.
(2)(a) Notwithstanding s. 327.60(2)(f), a county, except for Monroe County, may establish, in accordance with this subsection, an anchoring limitation area adjacent to urban areas that have residential docking facilities and significant recreational boating traffic. The aggregate total of anchoring limitation areas in a county may not exceed 10 percent of the county’s delineated navigable-in-fact waterways. As used in this subsection, the term “navigable-in-fact waterways” means waterways that are navigable in their natural or unimproved condition over which useful commerce or public recreation of a substantial and permanent character is or may be conducted in the customary mode of trade and travel on water. The term does not include lakes or streams that are theoretically navigable; have a potential for navigability; or are temporary, precarious, and unprofitable, but the term does include lakes or streams that have practical usefulness to the public as highways for transportation. Each anchoring limitation area must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Be less than 100 acres in size. For purposes of this subsection, the calculated size of the anchoring limitation area does not include any portion of the marked channel of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway contiguous to the anchoring limitation area;
2. Not include any mooring field or marina; and
3. Be clearly marked with all of the following:
a. Signs that provide reasonable notice to boaters identifying the duration of time beyond which anchoring is limited and identifying the county ordinance by which the anchoring limitation area was created.
b. Buoys. The county that has created an anchoring limitation area shall install and maintain buoys marking the boundary of the anchoring limitation area.
The signs and buoys must be permitted and installed in accordance with ss. 327.40 and 327.41 and commission rule.
(b) Except as provided in subsections (4) and (5), a person may not anchor a vessel for more than 45 consecutive days in any 6-month period in an anchoring limitation area established pursuant to this subsection.
(c) A county proposing establishment of an anchoring limitation area in accordance with this subsection shall provide notice to the commission at least 30 days before introducing an ordinance to establish the anchoring limitation area. The commission shall publish notice of the proposed ordinance on its website and distribute such notice through the commission’s Boating and Waterways Section e-mail distribution list for ordinances.
(3)(a) Monroe County is designated as an anchoring limitation area within which a vessel on waters of the state may only be anchored in the same location for a maximum of 90 days. The commission shall adopt rules to implement this subsection.
(b) The anchoring limitations in this subsection do not apply to approved and permitted moorings or mooring fields.
(c) Notwithstanding the commission rules adopted pursuant to this 2section, this section is not effective for Monroe County until the county approves, permits, and opens new moorings for public use, including at least 250 moorings within 1 mile of the Key West Bight City Dock and at least 50 moorings within the Key West Garrison Bight Mooring Field. Until such time, the commission shall designate the area within 1 mile of the Key West Bight City Dock as a priority for the investigation and removal of derelict vessels.
(4) Notwithstanding subsections (1), (2), and (3), a person may anchor a vessel in an anchoring limitation area during a time that would otherwise be unlawful:
(a) If the vessel suffers a mechanical failure that poses an unreasonable risk of harm to the vessel or the persons onboard unless the vessel anchors. The vessel may anchor for 3 business days or until the vessel is repaired, whichever occurs first.
(b) If imminent or existing weather conditions in the vicinity of the vessel pose an unreasonable risk of harm to the vessel or the persons onboard unless the vessel anchors. The vessel may anchor until weather conditions no longer pose such risk. During a hurricane or tropical storm, weather conditions are deemed to no longer pose an unreasonable risk of harm when the hurricane or tropical storm warning affecting the area has expired.
(c) During events described in s. 327.48 or other special events, including, but not limited to, public music performances, local government waterfront activities, or fireworks displays. A vessel may anchor for the lesser of the duration of the special event or 3 days.
(5) This section does not apply to:
(a) Vessels owned or operated by a governmental entity for law enforcement, firefighting, military, or rescue purposes.
(b) Construction or dredging vessels on an active job site.
(c) Vessels actively engaged in commercial fishing.
(d) Vessels engaged in recreational fishing if the persons onboard are actively tending hook and line fishing gear or nets.
(6)(a) As used in this subsection, the term “law enforcement officer or agency” means an officer or agency authorized to enforce this section pursuant to s. 327.70.
(b)1. For a vessel in an anchoring limitation area established pursuant to subsection (2), upon an inquiry by a law enforcement officer or agency, a vessel owner or operator must be given an opportunity to provide proof that the vessel has not exceeded the limitations described in subsection (2). Such proof may include any of the following:
a. Documentation showing that the vessel was in another location at least 1 mile away within a period of less than 45 days before the inquiry.
b. Electronic evidence, including, but not limited to, navigational devices or tracking devices that show the vessel was in another location at least 1 mile away within a period of less than 45 days before the inquiry.
2. If a vessel owner or operator fails or refuses to provide proof that the vessel has not exceeded the limitations described in subsection (2), the law enforcement officer or agency may issue a citation for a violation of this section.
(c) A law enforcement officer or agency may remove a vessel from an anchoring limitation area and impound the vessel for up to 48 hours, or cause such removal and impoundment, if the vessel operator, after being issued a citation for a violation of this section:
1. Anchors the vessel in violation of this section within 12 hours after being issued the citation; or
2. Refuses to leave the anchoring limitation area after being directed to do so by a law enforcement officer or agency.
(d) A vessel that is the subject of more than three violations within 12 months which result in dispositions other than acquittal or dismissal shall be declared to be a public nuisance and subject to s. 705.103 or, for a derelict vessel, subject to s. 823.11.
(e) A law enforcement officer or agency acting under this subsection to remove or impound a vessel, or to cause such removal or impoundment, shall be held harmless for any damage to the vessel resulting from such removal or impoundment unless the damage results from gross negligence or willful misconduct.
(f) A contractor performing removal or impoundment services at the direction of a law enforcement officer or agency pursuant to this subsection must:
1. Be licensed in accordance with United States Coast Guard regulations, as applicable.
2. Obtain and carry a current policy issued by a licensed insurance carrier in this state to insure against any accident, loss, injury, property damage, or other casualty caused by or resulting from the contractor’s actions.
3. Be properly equipped to perform such services.
(g) In addition to the civil penalty imposed under s. 327.73(1)(z), the operator of a vessel that is removed and impounded pursuant to paragraph (c) must pay all removal and storage fees before the vessel is released. A vessel removed pursuant to paragraph (c) may not be impounded for longer than 48 hours.
(7) A violation of this section is punishable as provided in s. 327.73(1)(z).
History.—s. 1, ch. 2016-96; s. 5, ch. 2017-163; s. 13, ch. 2021-184; s. 1, ch. 2021-192.
1Note.—Substituted by the editors for a reference to subsections (3) and (4), as added by s. 13, ch. 2021-184, to conform to the redesignation of subsections by s. 1, ch. 2021-192.
2Note.—As amended by s. 13, ch. 2021-184. The amendment by s. 1, ch. 2021-192, uses the word “subsection” instead of the word “section.”
327.4109 Anchoring or mooring prohibited; exceptions; penalties.—
(1)(a) The owner or operator of a vessel or floating structure may not anchor or moor such that the nearest approach of the anchored or moored vessel or floating structure is:
1. Within 150 feet of any public or private marina, boat ramp, boatyard, or other public vessel launching or loading facility;
2. Within 500 feet of a superyacht repair facility. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “superyacht repair facility” means a facility that services or repairs a yacht with a water line of 120 feet or more in length; or
3. Within 100 feet outward from the marked boundary of a public mooring field or a lesser distance if approved by the commission upon request of a local government within which the mooring field is located. The commission may adopt rules to implement this subparagraph.
(b) This subsection does not apply to:
1. A vessel owned or operated by a governmental entity.
2. A construction or dredging vessel on an active job site.
3. A commercial fishing vessel actively engaged in commercial fishing.
4. A vessel actively engaged in recreational fishing if the persons onboard are actively tending hook and line fishing gear or nets.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), an owner or operator of a vessel may anchor or moor within 150 feet of any public or private marina, boat ramp, boatyard, or other public vessel launching or loading facility; within 500 feet of a superyacht repair facility; or within 100 feet outward from the marked boundary of a public mooring field if:
(a) The vessel suffers a mechanical failure that poses an unreasonable risk of harm to the vessel or the persons onboard such vessel. The owner or operator of the vessel may anchor or moor for 5 business days or until the vessel is repaired, whichever occurs first.
(b) Imminent or existing weather conditions in the vicinity of the vessel pose an unreasonable risk of harm to the vessel or the persons onboard such vessel. The owner or operator of the vessel may anchor or moor until weather conditions no longer pose such risk. During a hurricane or tropical storm, weather conditions are deemed to no longer pose an unreasonable risk of harm when the hurricane or tropical storm warning affecting the area has expired.
(3) The owner or operator of a vessel or floating structure may not anchor or moor within the marked boundary of a public mooring field unless the owner or operator has a lawful right to do so by contractual agreement or other business arrangement.
(4) The owner or operator of a vessel or floating structure may not anchor, moor, tie, or otherwise affix or allow the vessel or floating structure to remain anchored, moored, tied, or otherwise affixed to an unpermitted, unauthorized, or otherwise unlawful object that is on or affixed to the bottom of the waters of this state. This subsection does not apply to a private mooring owned by the owner of privately owned submerged lands.
(5) A violation of this section is a noncriminal infraction, punishable as provided in s. 327.73(1)(bb).
(6)(a) As used in this subsection, and applied only for the purposes of the study required by this subsection and not for any other purposes, the term “long-term stored vessel” means a vessel on the waters of the state which is not under the supervision and control of a person capable of operating, maintaining, or moving it from one location to another and which has remained anchored or moored outside of a public mooring field for at least 30 days out of a 60-day period.
(b) The commission shall conduct, or contract with a private vendor to conduct, for not longer than 2 years, a study of the impacts of long-term stored vessels on local communities and this state.
(c) The study shall:
1. Investigate whether, and to what extent, long-term stored vessels and vessels anchored or moored outside of public mooring fields for more than 30 days contribute to the number of derelict and abandoned vessels on the waters of the state.
2. Investigate the impacts of long-term stored vessels, vessels anchored or moored outside of public mooring fields for more than 30 days, and vessels moored within public mooring fields on the local and state economies; public safety; public boat ramps, staging docks, and public marinas; and the environment during and after significant tropical storm and hurricane events.
3. Provide recommendations for appropriate management options for long-term stored vessels and vessels anchored or moored outside public mooring fields for more than 30 days to mitigate any identified negative impacts to local communities and this state.
(d) The commission shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives within 6 months after the study is completed.
(e) This subsection is contingent upon appropriation by the Legislature.
(f) This subsection expires January 1, 2024.
History.—s. 6, ch. 2017-163; s. 2, ch. 2019-54; s. 14, ch. 2021-184.
327.42 Mooring to or damaging of uniform waterway markers prohibited.—
(1) No person shall moor or fasten a vessel to a lawfully placed uniform waterway marker, except in case of emergency or with the written consent of the marker’s owner.
(2) No person shall willfully damage, alter, or move a lawfully placed uniform waterway marker.
History.—s. 1, ch. 72-20; s. 12, ch. 2009-86.
Note.—Former s. 371.524.
327.43 Silver Glen Run and Silver Glen Springs; navigation channel.—The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is directed to mark a navigation channel within Silver Glen Run and Silver Glen Springs, located on the western shore of Lake George on the St. Johns River.
History.—ss. 1, 2, 3, 4, ch. 94-341; s. 26, ch. 99-245; s. 3, ch. 2003-143.
327.44 Interference with navigation; relocation or removal; recovery of costs.—
(1) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Gross negligence” means conduct so reckless or wanting in care that it constitutes a conscious disregard or indifference to the safety of the property exposed to such conduct.
(b) “Willful misconduct” means conduct evidencing carelessness or negligence of such a degree or recurrence as to manifest culpability, wrongful intent, or evil design or to show an intentional and substantial disregard of the interests of the vessel owner.
(2) A person may not anchor, moor, or allow to be anchored or moored, except in case of emergency, or operate a vessel or carry on any prohibited activity in a manner which unreasonably or unnecessarily constitutes a navigational hazard or interference with another vessel. Anchoring or mooring under bridges or in or adjacent to heavily traveled channels constitutes interference if unreasonable under the prevailing circumstances.
(3) The commission, officers of the commission, and any law enforcement agency or officer specified in s. 327.70 are authorized and empowered to relocate, remove, or cause to be relocated or removed a vessel that unreasonably or unnecessarily constitutes a navigational hazard or interferes with another vessel. The commission, officers of the commission, or any other law enforcement agency or officer acting under this subsection to relocate, remove, or cause to be relocated or removed a vessel that unreasonably or unnecessarily constitutes a navigational hazard or interferes with another vessel shall be held harmless for all damages to the vessel resulting from such relocation or removal unless the damage results from gross negligence or willful misconduct.
(4) A contractor performing relocation or removal activities at the direction of the commission, officers of the commission, or a law enforcement agency or officer pursuant to this section must be licensed in accordance with applicable United States Coast Guard regulations where required; obtain and carry in full force and effect a policy from a licensed insurance carrier in this state to insure against any accident, loss, injury, property damage, or other casualty caused by or resulting from the contractor’s actions; and be properly equipped to perform the services to be provided.
(5) All costs, including costs owed to a third party, incurred by the commission or other law enforcement agency in the relocation or removal of a vessel that unreasonably or unnecessarily constitutes a navigational hazard or interferes with another vessel are recoverable against the vessel owner. The Department of Legal Affairs shall represent the commission in actions to recover such costs.
History.—s. 4, ch. 63-105; s. 1, ch. 65-361; s. 2, ch. 72-16; s. 1, ch. 2014-143; s. 7, ch. 2017-163.
Note.—Former s. 371.503.
327.45 Protection zones for springs.—
(1) As used in this section, the term “navigable waters of the United States” means the waters of the United States, including the territorial seas, as referenced in the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. ss. 1251 et seq., and the federal rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(2) The commission may establish by rule protection zones that restrict the speed and operation of vessels, or that prohibit the anchoring, mooring, beaching, or grounding of vessels, to protect and prevent harm to first, second, and third magnitude springs and springs groups, including their associated spring runs, as determined by the commission using the most recent Florida Geological Survey springs bulletin. This harm includes negative impacts to water quality, water quantity, hydrology, wetlands, and aquatic and wetland-dependent species.
(3) When developing a protection zone, the commission shall do so in consultation and coordination with the water management district, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the governing bodies of the county and municipality, if applicable, in which the zone is located. If the zone includes navigable waters of the United States, the commission shall additionally coordinate with the United States Coast Guard and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
(4) Any individual who operates a vessel in violation of a spring protection zone rule adopted pursuant to this section shall be charged on a uniform boating citation as provided in s. 327.74 and is subject to the penalties provided in s. 327.73(1)(y).
(5) Restrictions in a protection zone do not apply:
(a) To law enforcement, firefighting, or rescue personnel operating a vessel in the course of performing their official duties; or
(b) In emergency situations. However, the emergency operation of a vessel must be a reasonable response given the circumstances.
(6) The commission is responsible for the posting and maintenance of regulatory markers identifying protection zones.
(7) The commission may adopt rules to implement this section.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2016-233; s. 15, ch. 2021-184.
327.46 Boating-restricted areas.—
(1) Boating-restricted areas, including, but not limited to, restrictions of vessel speeds and vessel traffic, may be established on the waters of this state for any purpose necessary to protect the safety of the public if such restrictions are necessary based on boating accidents, visibility, hazardous currents or water levels, vessel traffic congestion, or other navigational hazards or to protect seagrasses on privately owned submerged lands.
(a) The commission may establish boating-restricted areas by rule pursuant to chapter 120.
(b) Municipalities and counties may establish the following boating-restricted areas by ordinance, including, notwithstanding the prohibition in s. 327.60(2)(c), within the portion of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway within their jurisdiction:
1. An ordinance establishing an idle speed, no wake boating-restricted area, if the area is:
a. Within 500 feet of any boat ramp, hoist, marine railway, or other launching or landing facility available for use by the general boating public on waterways more than 300 feet in width or within 300 feet of any boat ramp, hoist, marine railway, or other launching or landing facility available for use by the general boating public on waterways not exceeding 300 feet in width.
b. Within 500 feet of fuel pumps or dispensers at any marine fueling facility that sells motor fuel to the general boating public on waterways more than 300 feet in width or within 300 feet of the fuel pumps or dispensers at any licensed terminal facility that sells motor fuel to the general boating public on waterways not exceeding 300 feet in width.
c. Inside or within 300 feet of any lock structure.
2. An ordinance establishing a slow speed, minimum wake boating-restricted area if the area is:
a. Within 300 feet of any bridge fender system.
b. Within 300 feet of any bridge span presenting a vertical clearance of less than 25 feet or a horizontal clearance of less than 100 feet.
c. On a creek, stream, canal, or similar linear waterway if the waterway is less than 75 feet in width from shoreline to shoreline.
d. On a lake or pond of less than 10 acres in total surface area.
e. Within the boundaries of a permitted public mooring field and a buffer around the mooring field of up to 100 feet.
3. An ordinance establishing a vessel-exclusion zone if the area is:
a. Designated as a public bathing beach or swim area.
b. Within 300 feet of a dam, spillway, or flood control structure.
Vessel exclusion zones created pursuant to this subparagraph must be marked with uniform waterway markers permitted by the commission in accordance with this chapter. Such zones may not be marked by ropes.
(c) Municipalities and counties have the authority to establish by ordinance the following other boating-restricted areas:
1. An ordinance establishing an idle speed, no wake boating-restricted area, if the area is within 300 feet of a confluence of water bodies presenting a blind corner, a bend in a narrow channel or fairway, or such other area if an intervening obstruction to visibility may obscure other vessels or other users of the waterway.
2. An ordinance establishing a slow speed, minimum wake, or numerical speed limit boating-restricted area if the area is:
a. Within 300 feet of a confluence of water bodies presenting a blind corner, a bend in a narrow channel or fairway, or such other area if an intervening obstruction to visibility may obscure other vessels or other users of the waterway.
b. Subject to unsafe levels of vessel traffic congestion.
c. Subject to hazardous water levels or currents, or containing other navigational hazards.
d. An area that accident reports, uniform boating citations, vessel traffic studies, or other creditable data demonstrate to present a significant risk of collision or a significant threat to boating safety.
3. An ordinance establishing a vessel-exclusion zone if the area is reserved exclusively:
a. As a canoe trail or otherwise limited to vessels under oars or under sail.
b. For a particular activity and user group separation must be imposed to protect the safety of those participating in such activity.
Any of the ordinances adopted pursuant to this paragraph shall not take effect until the commission has reviewed the ordinance and determined by substantial competent evidence that the ordinance is necessary to protect public safety pursuant to this paragraph. Any application for approval of an ordinance shall be reviewed and acted upon within 90 days after receipt of a completed application. Within 30 days after a municipality or county submits an application for approval to the commission, the commission shall advise the municipality or county as to what information, if any, is needed to deem the application complete. An application shall be considered complete upon receipt of all requested information and correction of any error or omission for which the applicant was timely notified or when the time for such notification has expired. The commission’s action on the application shall be subject to review under chapter 120. The commission shall initiate rulemaking no later than January 1, 2010, to provide criteria and procedures for reviewing applications and procedures for providing for public notice and participation pursuant to this paragraph.
(d) Owners of private submerged lands that are adjacent to Outstanding Florida Waters, as defined in s. 403.061(28), or an aquatic preserve established under ss. 258.39-258.399 may request that the commission establish boating-restricted areas solely to protect any seagrass and contiguous seagrass habitat within their private property boundaries from seagrass scarring due to propeller dredging. Owners making a request pursuant to this paragraph must demonstrate to the commission clear ownership of the submerged lands. The commission shall adopt rules to implement this paragraph, including, but not limited to, establishing an application process and criteria for meeting the requirements of this paragraph. Each approved boating-restricted area shall be established by commission rule. For marking boating-restricted zones established pursuant to this paragraph, owners of privately submerged lands shall apply to the commission for a uniform waterway marker permit in accordance with ss. 327.40 and 327.41, and shall be responsible for marking the boating-restricted zone in accordance with the terms of the permit.
(e) As used in this section, the term “seagrass” has the same meaning as in s. 253.04.
(2) Each such boating-restricted area shall be developed in consultation and coordination with the governing body of the county or municipality in which the boating-restricted area is located and, when the boating-restricted area is to be on the navigable waters of the United States, with the United States Coast Guard and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
(3) It is unlawful for any person to operate a vessel in a prohibited manner or to carry on any prohibited activity, as defined in this chapter, within a boating-restricted area which has been clearly marked by regulatory markers as authorized under this chapter.
(4) Restrictions in a boating-restricted area established pursuant to this section shall not apply in the case of an emergency or to a law enforcement, firefighting, or rescue vessel owned or operated by a governmental entity.
History.—s. 7, ch. 63-105; s. 1, ch. 65-361; ss. 25, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 23, ch. 78-95; s. 7, ch. 81-100; s. 27, ch. 99-245; s. 16, ch. 2000-362; s. 13, ch. 2009-86; s. 8, ch. 2017-163; s. 31, ch. 2020-150; s. 16, ch. 2021-184.
Note.—Former s. 371.522.
327.461 Safety zones, security zones, regulated navigation areas, and naval vessel protection zones; prohibited entry; penalties.—
(1)(a) A person may not knowingly operate a vessel, or authorize the operation of a vessel, in violation of the restrictions of a safety zone, security zone, regulated navigation area, or naval vessel protection zone as defined in and established pursuant to 33 C.F.R. part 165.
(b) The intent of this section is to provide for state and local law enforcement agencies to operate in federally designated exclusion zones specified in paragraph (a). State and local law enforcement personnel may enforce these zones at the request of a federal authority if necessary to augment federal law enforcement efforts and if there is a compelling need to protect the residents and infrastructure of this state. Requests for state and local law enforcement personnel to enforce these zones must be made to the Department of Law Enforcement through the Florida Mutual Aid Plan described in s. 23.1231.
(2) A person who knowingly operates a vessel, or authorizes the operation of a vessel, in violation of the restrictions of such a safety zone, security zone, regulated navigation area, or naval vessel protection zone commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(3) A person who continues to operate, or authorize the operation of, a vessel in violation of the restrictions of such a safety zone, security zone, regulated navigation area, or naval vessel protection zone after being warned against doing so, or who refuses to leave or otherwise cease violating the restrictions of such a safety zone, security zone, regulated navigation area, or naval vessel protection zone after having been ordered to do so by a law enforcement officer or by competent military authority, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(4) A person who knowingly enters a safety zone, security zone, regulated navigation area, or naval vessel protection zone by swimming, diving, wading, or other similar means commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(5) A person who remains within or reenters such a safety zone, security zone, regulated navigation area, or naval vessel protection zone after being warned not to do so, or who refuses to leave or otherwise cease violating such a safety zone, security zone, regulated navigation area, or naval vessel protection zone after having been ordered to do so by a law enforcement officer or by competent military authority, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(6) Each incursion into such a safety zone, security zone, regulated navigation area, or naval vessel protection zone is considered a separate offense.
(7) An entry into such a safety zone, security zone, regulated navigation area, or naval vessel protection zone that has been authorized by the captain of the port or the captain’s designee is not a violation of this section.
History.—s. 4, ch. 2004-74.
327.462 Temporary protection zones for spaceflight launches and recovery of spaceflight assets.—
(1) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Launch services” means the conduct of a launch and activities involved in the preparation of a launch vehicle, payload, government astronaut, commercial astronaut, or spaceflight participant for such launch.
(b) “Reentry services” means the conduct of a reentry and activities involved in the preparation of a reentry vehicle, payload, government astronaut, commercial astronaut, or spaceflight participant for such reentry.
(c) “Spaceflight assets” means any item, or any part of an item, owned by a spaceflight entity which is used in launch services or reentry services, including crewed and uncrewed spacecraft, launch vehicles, parachutes and other landing aids, and any spacecraft or ancillary equipment that was attached to the launch vehicle during launch, orbit, or reentry.
(d) “Spaceflight entity” has the same meaning as provided in s. 331.501.
(2) The head of a law enforcement agency or entity identified in s. 327.70(1), or his or her designee, may, upon waters of this state within the law enforcement agency’s or entity’s jurisdiction, when necessary for preparations in advance of a launch service or reentry service or for the recovery of spaceflight assets before or after a launch service or reentry service, temporarily establish a protection zone requiring vessels to leave, or prohibiting vessels from entering, water bodies within:
(a) Five hundred yards of where launch services, reentry services, or spaceflight asset recovery operations are being conducted; or
(b) A distance greater than provided in paragraph (a) if the head of such law enforcement agency or entity, or his or her designee, determines such greater distance is in the best interest of public safety.
(3) A protection zone established under subsection (2) may remain in effect only as long as necessary to ensure security around the launch and recovery areas and to recover spaceflight assets and any personnel being transported within a spacecraft following the launch or reentry activity. Such protection zone may not be in place more than 72 hours before or 72 hours after the launch. The head of a law enforcement agency or entity identified in s. 327.70, or his or her designee:
(a) May also restrict vessels from operating within up to 500 yards of any vessel transporting recovered spaceflight assets following a spaceflight launch or reentry while such vessel is continuously underway transporting such assets to a location for removal from the waters of this state; and
(b) May not restrict vessel movement within the Florida Intracoastal Waterway, except as necessary during the transport of spaceflight assets to or from port or during exigent circumstances.
(4) The head of a law enforcement agency or entity establishing a protection zone under this section, or his or her designee, must report the establishment of such protection zone via e-mail to the commission’s Division of Law Enforcement, Boating and Waterways Section, and to the appropriate United States Coast Guard Sector Command having responsibility over the water body, at least 72 hours before establishment of the protection zone. Such report must include the reasons for the protection zone, the portion of the water body or water bodies which will be included in the protection zone, and the duration of the protection zone. No later than 72 hours after the end of the protection zone period, the head of the law enforcement agency or entity, or his or her designee, must report via e-mail to the commission’s Division of Law Enforcement, Boating and Waterways Section, the details of all citations issued for violating the protection zone.
(5) This section applies only to launch services, reentry services, or the recovery of spaceflight assets occurring or originating within spaceport territory, as defined in s. 331.304, and to federally licensed or federally authorized launches and reentries occurring or transiting to an end destination upon waters of this state.
(6) A person who violates this section or any directive given by a law enforcement officer relating to the establishment of a protection zone under this section after being advised of the establishment of the protection zone commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 5, ch. 2021-184.
327.463 Special hazards.—
(1) For purposes of this section, a vessel:
(a) Is operating at slow speed, minimum wake only if it is:
1. Fully off plane and completely settled into the water; and
2. Proceeding without wake or with minimum wake.
A vessel that is required to operate at slow speed, minimum wake may not proceed at a speed greater than a speed that is reasonable and prudent to avoid the creation of an excessive wake or other hazardous condition under the existing circumstances.
(b) Is not proceeding at slow speed, minimum wake if it is:
1. Operating on plane;
2. In the process of coming off plane and settling into the water or getting on plane; or
3. Operating at a speed that creates a wake that unreasonably or unnecessarily endangers other vessels.
(2) A person may not operate a vessel faster than slow speed, minimum wake within 300 feet of any emergency vessel, including, but not limited to, a law enforcement vessel, United States Coast Guard vessel, or firefighting vessel, when such emergency vessel’s emergency lights are activated.
(3)(a) A person may not operate a vessel faster than slow speed, minimum wake within 300 feet of any construction vessel or barge when the vessel or barge is displaying an orange flag from a pole extending:
1. At least 10 feet above the tallest portion of the vessel or barge, indicating that the vessel or barge is actively engaged in construction operations; or
2. At least 5 feet above any superstructure permanently installed upon the vessel or barge, indicating that the vessel or barge is actively engaged in construction operations.
(b) A flag displayed on a construction vessel or barge pursuant to this subsection must:
1. Be at least 2 feet by 3 feet in size.
2. Have a wire or other stiffener or be otherwise constructed to ensure that the flag remains fully unfurled and extended in the absence of a wind or breeze.
3. Be displayed so that the visibility of the flag is not obscured in any direction.
(c) In periods of low visibility, including any time between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise, a person may not be cited for a violation of this subsection unless the orange flag is illuminated and visible from a distance of at least 2 nautical miles. Such illumination does not relieve the construction vessel or barge from complying with all navigation rules.
(4)(a) A person operating a vessel in violation of this section commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable as provided in s. 327.73.
(b) The owner of, or party who is responsible for, a construction vessel or barge who displays an orange flag on the vessel or barge when it is not actively engaged in construction operations commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable as provided in s. 327.73.
(5) The speed and penalty provisions of this section do not apply to a law enforcement, firefighting, or rescue vessel that is owned or operated by a governmental entity.
History.—s. 17, ch. 2021-184.
327.47 Competitive grant programs.—The commission shall develop and administer competitive grant programs funded with moneys transferred pursuant to s. 206.606(1)(d). Grants may be awarded for the construction and maintenance of publicly owned boat ramps, piers, and docks; boater education; deployment of manatee technical avoidance technology; and economic development initiatives that promote boating in the state. The commission may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 120 to implement this section.
History.—s. 5, ch. 2003-156.
327.48 Regattas, races, marine parades, tournaments, or exhibitions.—Any person directing the holding of a regatta, tournament, or marine parade or exhibition shall secure a permit from the Coast Guard when such event is held in navigable waters of the United States. A person directing any such affair in any county shall notify the sheriff of the county or the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at least 15 days prior to any event in order that appropriate arrangements for safety and navigation may be assured. Any person or organization sponsoring a regatta or boat race, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition shall be responsible for providing adequate protection to the participants, spectators, and other users of the water.
History.—s. 6, ch. 59-400; s. 10, ch. 63-105; s. 1, ch. 65-361; ss. 25, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 6, ch. 74-327; s. 29, ch. 99-245.
Note.—Former s. 371.55.
327.49 Testing vessels and vessel motors.—Subject to reasonable rules adopted by the commission, manufacturers of vessels and vessel motors that operate vessel and vessel motor test facilities may be authorized to test such vessels, vessel motors, or combinations thereof, on the waters of the state to ensure that they meet generally accepted boating safety standards.
History.—s. 17, ch. 2000-362.
327.50 Vessel safety regulations; equipment and lighting requirements.—
(1)(a) The owner and operator of every vessel on the waters of this state shall carry, store, maintain, and use safety equipment in accordance with current United States Coast Guard safety equipment requirements as specified in the Code of Federal Regulations, unless expressly exempted by the commission.
(b) A person may not operate a vessel less than 26 feet in length on the waters of this state unless every person under 6 years of age on board the vessel is wearing a personal flotation device currently approved by the United States Coast Guard and used in accordance with the United States Coast Guard approval label while such vessel is underway. For the purpose of this section, “underway” means at all times except when a vessel is anchored, moored, made fast to the shore, or aground.
(2) No person shall operate a vessel on the waters of this state unless said vessel is equipped with properly serviceable lights and shapes required by the navigation rules.
(3) The use of sirens or flashing, occulting, or revolving lights on any vessel is prohibited, except as expressly provided in the navigation rules or annexes thereto.
History.—s. 8, ch. 59-400; s. 13, ch. 63-105; s. 1, ch. 65-361; s. 7, ch. 74-327; s. 8, ch. 81-100; s. 2, ch. 81-114; s. 9, ch. 84-188; s. 2, ch. 86-35; s. 5, ch. 88-133; s. 2, ch. 92-188; s. 463, ch. 95-148; s. 7, ch. 98-308; s. 3, ch. 2015-161; s. 18, ch. 2021-184.
Note.—Former s. 371.57.
327.52 Maximum loading and horsepower.—
(1) Except for sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats, this section applies to all monohull motorboats less than 20 feet in length that are: manufactured or used primarily for noncommercial use; leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter’s noncommercial use; or engaged in the carrying of six or fewer passengers for hire.
(2) No person shall sell or offer for sale any vessel described in subsection (1) unless said vessel displays the maximum capacity information as prescribed in 33 C.F.R. part 183. This shall not apply to resales, but it is the intent of this section to require dealers and manufacturers to furnish this information upon the original sale.
(3) No person shall operate any vessel described in subsection (1) when said vessel exceeds the maximum weight capacity, maximum persons capacity, or maximum horsepower capacity. If no maximum capacity information is displayed, the capacities shall be calculated as provided in 33 C.F.R. part 183, subparts C and D. This subsection shall not preclude the finding of reckless operation under s. 327.33(1) when a vessel is operated in a grossly overloaded or overpowered condition.
History.—s. 11, ch. 59-400; s. 17, ch. 63-105; s. 1, ch. 65-361; s. 2, ch. 97-16.
Note.—Former s. 371.60.
327.521 No-discharge zones.—
(1) Effective immediately upon approval by the United States Environmental Protection Agency of a no-discharge zone determination for the waters of the United States within the boundaries of aquatic preserves identified in s. 258.39, all waters of this state within such areas are designated no-discharge zones within which a person may not discharge sewage of any type, whether treated or untreated, from any vessel or floating structure.
(2) A person who violates this section commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable by a civil penalty of up to $250. If any discharge prohibited by this section is ongoing or continuous, the person may be assessed a penalty of up to $250 for each day the violation continues.
(3)(a) The owner or operator of a vessel or floating structure convicted a second time for violating this section shall, within 30 days after the conviction, remove the vessel or floating structure from the waters of this state. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “conviction” means a disposition other than acquittal or dismissal.
(b) If the vessel or floating structure remains on the waters of this state in violation of this subsection, law enforcement officers charged with the enforcement of this chapter under s. 327.70 shall apply to the appropriate court in the county in which the vessel or floating structure is located to order or otherwise cause the removal of such vessel or floating structure from the waters of this state at the owner’s expense.
(c) If the owner cannot be found or otherwise fails to pay the removal costs, s. 328.17 shall apply. If the proceeds under s. 328.17 are not sufficient to pay all removal costs, funds appropriated from the Marine Resources Conservation Trust Fund pursuant to s. 327.53(6)(b) or s. 328.72(15)(c) may be used.
(4) The commission shall maintain a list of marine sewage pumpout facilities throughout this state, make the list available on its website, and provide the list with information about the Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Marina Program to all counties for distribution to public and private marinas.
History.—s. 19, ch. 2021-184.
327.53 Marine sanitation.—
(1) Every vessel 26 feet or more in length which has an enclosed cabin with berthing facilities shall, while on the waters of the state, be equipped with a toilet. On a vessel other than a houseboat, the toilet may be portable or permanently installed. Every permanently installed toilet shall be properly attached to the appropriate United States Coast Guard certified or labeled marine sanitation device.
(2) Every houseboat shall be equipped with at least one permanently installed toilet which shall be properly connected to a United States Coast Guard certified or labeled Type III marine sanitation device. If the toilet is simultaneously connected to both a Type III marine sanitation device and to another approved marine sanitation device, the valve or other mechanism selecting between the two marine sanitation devices shall be set to direct all sewage to the Type III marine sanitation device and, while the vessel is on the waters of the state, shall be locked or otherwise secured by the boat operator, so as to prevent resetting.
(3) Every floating structure that has an enclosed living space with berthing facilities, or working space with public access, must be equipped with a permanently installed toilet properly connected to a Type III marine sanitation device or permanently attached via plumbing to shoreside sewage disposal. No structure shall be plumbed so as to permit the discharge of sewage into the waters of the state.
(4)(a) Raw sewage shall not be discharged from any vessel, including houseboats, or any floating structure in Florida waters. The operator of any vessel which is plumbed so that a toilet may be flushed directly into the water or so that a holding tank may be emptied into the water shall, while the vessel is on the waters of the state, set the valve or other mechanism directing the sewage so as to prevent direct discharge and lock or otherwise secure the valve so as to prevent resetting.
(b) All waste from Type III marine sanitation devices shall be disposed in an approved sewage pumpout facility.
(c) All waste from portable toilets shall be disposed in an approved waste reception facility.
(5) Every vessel owner, operator, and occupant shall comply with United States Coast Guard regulations pertaining to marine sanitation devices and with United States Environmental Protection Agency regulations pertaining to areas in which the discharge of sewage, treated or untreated, is prohibited.
(6)(a) A violation of this section is a noncriminal infraction, punishable as provided in s. 327.73. Each violation shall be a separate offense. The owner and operator of any vessel shall be jointly and severally liable for the civil penalty imposed pursuant to this section.
(b) All civil penalties imposed and collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Marine Resources Conservation Trust Fund and shall be used: to implement, administer, and enforce this act; to construct, renovate, or operate pumpout stations and waste reception facilities; and to conduct a program to educate vessel operators about the problem of human body waste discharges from vessels and inform them of the location of pumpout stations and waste reception facilities.
(7) A vessel or floating structure operated or occupied on the waters of this state in violation of this section is declared a nuisance and a hazard to public safety and health. The owner or operator of a vessel or floating structure cited for violating this section shall, within 30 days following the issuance of the citation, correct the violation for which the citation was issued or remove the vessel or floating structure from the waters of this state. If the violation is not corrected within the 30 days and the vessel or floating structure remains on the waters of this state in violation of this section, law enforcement officers charged with the enforcement of this chapter under s. 327.70 shall apply to the appropriate court in the county in which the vessel or floating structure is located to order or otherwise cause the removal of such vessel or floating structure from the waters of this state at the owner’s expense. If the owner cannot be found or otherwise fails to pay the removal costs, the provisions of s. 328.17 shall apply. If the proceeds under s. 328.17 are not sufficient to pay all removal costs, funds appropriated from the Marine Resources Conservation Trust Fund pursuant to paragraph (6)(b) or s. 328.72(15)(c) may be used.
(8) The owner or operator of a live-aboard vessel as defined in s. 327.02(23), or a houseboat as defined in s. 327.02(17), that is equipped with a marine sanitation device must maintain a record of the date of each pumpout of the marine sanitation device and the location of the pumpout station or waste reception facility. Each record must be maintained for 1 year after the date of the pumpout. This subsection does not apply to marine compost toilets that process and manage human waste using marine compost toilet technologies that comply with United States Coast Guard requirements.
History.—s. 5, ch. 94-241; s. 19, ch. 96-321; s. 29, ch. 99-289; s. 49, ch. 2000-158; s. 18, ch. 2000-362; s. 20, ch. 2021-184.
327.54 Liveries; safety regulations; penalty.—
(1) A livery may not knowingly lease, hire, or rent a vessel to any person:
(a) When the number of persons intending to use the vessel exceeds the number considered to constitute a maximum safety load for the vessel as specified on the authorized persons capacity plate of the vessel.
(b) When the horsepower of the motor exceeds the capacity of the vessel.
(c) When the vessel does not contain the required safety equipment required under s. 327.50.
(d) When the vessel is not seaworthy.
(e) When the vessel is equipped with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater, unless the livery provides prerental or preride instruction that includes, but need not be limited to:
1. Operational characteristics of the vessel to be rented.
2. Safe vessel operation and vessel right-of-way.
3. The responsibility of the vessel operator for the safe and proper operation of the vessel.
4. Local characteristics of the waterway where the vessel will be operated.
Any person delivering the information specified in this paragraph must have successfully completed a boater safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and this state.
(f) Unless the livery displays boating safety information in a place visible to the renting public. The commission shall prescribe by rule pursuant to chapter 120, the contents and size of the boating safety information to be displayed.
(2) A livery may not knowingly lease, hire, or rent a vessel to a person who is required to comply with s. 327.395 unless such person presents to the livery the documentation required by s. 327.395(2) for the operation of a vessel or meets the exemption provided under s. 327.395(6)(f).
(3) If a vessel is unnecessarily overdue, the livery shall notify the proper authorities.
(4)(a) A livery may not knowingly lease, hire, or rent a personal watercraft to any person who is under 18 years of age.
(b) A livery may not knowingly lease, hire, or rent a personal watercraft to any person who has not received instruction in the safe handling of personal watercraft, in compliance with rules established by the commission pursuant to chapter 120.
(c) Any person receiving instruction in the safe handling of personal watercraft pursuant to a program established by rule of the commission must provide the livery with a written statement attesting to the same.
(5) A livery may not lease, hire, or rent any personal watercraft or offer to lease, hire, or rent any personal watercraft unless the livery first obtains and carries in full force and effect a policy from a licensed insurance carrier in this state, insuring against any accident, loss, injury, property damage, or other casualty caused by or resulting from the operation of the personal watercraft. The insurance policy shall provide coverage of at least $500,000 per person and $1 million per event. The livery must have proof of such insurance available for inspection at the location where personal watercraft are being leased, hired, or rented, or offered for lease, hire, or rent, and shall provide to each renter the insurance carrier’s name and address and the insurance policy number.
(6) Any person convicted of violating this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 12, ch. 63-105; s. 1, ch. 65-361; s. 303, ch. 71-136; s. 10, ch. 84-188; s. 4, ch. 89-136; s. 2, ch. 96-187; s. 42, ch. 97-96; s. 19, ch. 2000-362; s. 3, ch. 2011-152; s. 21, ch. 2021-184.
Note.—Former s. 371.561.
327.56 Safety and marine sanitation equipment inspections; qualified.—
(1) No officer shall board any vessel to make a safety or marine sanitation equipment inspection if the owner or operator is not aboard. When the owner or operator is aboard, an officer may board a vessel with consent or when the officer has probable cause or knowledge to believe that a violation of a provision of this chapter has occurred or is occurring. An officer may board a vessel when the operator refuses or is unable to display the safety or marine sanitation equipment required by law, if requested to do so by a law enforcement officer, or when the safety or marine sanitation equipment to be inspected is permanently installed and is not visible for inspection unless the officer boards the vessel.
(2) Inspection of floating structures for compliance with this section shall be as provided in s. 403.091.
History.—s. 9, ch. 59-400; s. 14, ch. 63-105; s. 1, ch. 65-361; s. 11, ch. 84-188; s. 6, ch. 94-241; s. 954, ch. 95-148.
Note.—Former s. 371.58.
327.58 Jurisdiction.—The safety regulations included under this chapter shall apply to all vessels, except as specifically excluded, operating upon the waters of this state.
History.—s. 1, ch. 65-361; s. 27, ch. 79-334; s. 10, ch. 81-100; s. 79, ch. 82-226.
Note.—Former s. 371.66.
327.59 Marina evacuations.—
(1) Except as provided in this section, marinas may not adopt, maintain, or enforce policies pertaining to evacuation of vessels which require vessels to be removed from marinas following the issuance of a hurricane watch or warning, in order to ensure that protecting the lives and safety of vessel owners is placed before interests of protecting property.
(2) Nothing in this section may be construed to restrict the ability of an owner of a vessel or the owner’s authorized representative to remove a vessel voluntarily from a marina at any time or to restrict a marina owner from dictating the kind of cleats, ropes, fenders, and other measures that must be used on vessels as a condition of use of a marina. After a tropical storm or hurricane watch has been issued, a marina owner or operator, or an employee or agent of such owner or operator, may take reasonable actions to further secure any vessel within the marina to minimize damage to a vessel and to protect marina property, private property, and the environment and may charge a reasonable fee for such services.
(3) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, in order to minimize damage to a vessel and to protect marina property, private property, and the environment, a marina owner may provide by contract that in the event a vessel owner fails to promptly remove a vessel from a marina after a tropical storm or hurricane watch has been issued, the marina owner, operator, employee, or agent may remove the vessel, if reasonable, from its slip or take whatever reasonable actions are deemed necessary to properly secure a vessel to minimize damage to a vessel and to protect marina property, private property, and the environment and may charge the vessel owner a reasonable fee for any such services rendered. In order to add such a provision to a contract, the marina owner must provide notice to the vessel owner in any such contract in a font size of at least 10 points and in substantially the following form:
NOTICE TO VESSEL OWNER
The undersigned hereby informs you that in the event you fail to remove your vessel from the marina promptly (timeframe to be determined between the marina owner or operator and the vessel owner) after the issuance of a tropical storm or hurricane watch for (insert geographic area), Florida, under Florida law, the undersigned or his or her employees or agents are authorized to remove your vessel, if reasonable, from its slip or take any and all other reasonable actions deemed appropriate by the undersigned or his or her employees or agents in order to better secure your vessel and to protect marina property, private property, and the environment. You are further notified that you may be charged a reasonable fee for any such action.
(4) A marina owner, operator, employee, or agent shall not be held liable for any damage incurred to a vessel from storms or hurricanes and is held harmless as a result of such actions. Nothing in this section may be construed to provide immunity to a marina operator, employee, or agent for any damage caused by intentional acts or negligence when removing or securing a vessel as permitted under this section.
(5) Upon the issuance of a hurricane watch affecting the waters of marinas located in a deepwater seaport, vessels under 500 gross tons may not remain in the waters of such marinas that have been deemed not suitable for refuge during a hurricane. Vessel owners shall promptly remove their vessels from the waterways upon issuance of an evacuation order by the deepwater seaport. If the United States Coast Guard captain of the port sets the port condition to “Yankee” and a vessel owner has failed to remove a vessel from the waterway, the marina owner, operator, employee, or agent, regardless of any existing contractual provisions between the marina owner and the vessel owner, shall remove the vessel, or cause the vessel to be removed, if reasonable, from its slip and may charge the vessel owner a reasonable fee for any such services rendered. A marina owner, operator, employee, or agent may not be held liable for any damage incurred to a vessel from a hurricane and is held harmless as a result of such actions to remove the vessel from the waterways. After the hurricane watch has been issued, the owner or operator of any vessel that has not been removed from the waterway of the marina, pursuant to an order from the deepwater seaport, may be subject to a fine, which may be imposed and collected by the deepwater seaport that issued the evacuation order if assessed, in an amount not exceeding three times the cost associated with removing the vessel from the waterway. This section does not provide immunity to a marina owner, operator, employee, or agent for any damage caused by intentional acts or negligence when removing a vessel pursuant to this section; require a deepwater seaport to issue an order to evacuate vessels; or require a deepwater seaport to impose and collect fines for failure to remove vessels from its waterways. For purposes of this subsection, the term “deepwater seaport” means the port waters, dredged material management sites, port harbors, navigation channels, turning basins, and harbor berths used for deepwater commercial navigation.
History.—s. 22, ch. 93-211; s. 11, ch. 95-146; s. 464, ch. 95-148; s. 2, ch. 95-150; s. 2, ch. 2006-309; s. 1, ch. 2021-108.
327.60 Local regulations; limitations.—
(1) The provisions of this chapter and chapter 328 shall govern the operation, equipment, and all other matters relating thereto whenever any vessel shall be operated upon the waters of this state or when any activity regulated hereby shall take place thereon.
(2) This chapter and chapter 328 do not prevent the adoption of any ordinance or local regulation relating to operation of vessels, except that a county or municipality may not enact, continue in effect, or enforce any ordinance or local regulation:
(a) Establishing a vessel or associated equipment performance or other safety standard, imposing a requirement for associated equipment, or regulating the carrying or use of marine safety articles;
(b) Relating to the design, manufacture, or installation of any marine sanitation device on any vessel, except as authorized in subsection (4);
(c) Regulating any vessel upon the Florida Intracoastal Waterway;
(d) Discriminating against personal watercraft;
(e) Discriminating against airboats, for ordinances adopted after July 1, 2006, unless adopted by a two-thirds vote of the governing body enacting such ordinance;
(f) Regulating the anchoring of vessels outside the marked boundaries of mooring fields permitted as provided in s. 327.40, except for:
1. Live-aboard vessels; and
2. Commercial vessels, excluding commercial fishing vessels;
(g) Regulating engine or exhaust noise, except as provided in s. 327.65; or
(h) That conflicts with any provisions of this chapter or any amendments thereto or rules adopted thereunder.
(3) This section does not prohibit local governmental authorities from the enactment or enforcement of regulations that prohibit or restrict the mooring or anchoring of floating structures, live-aboard vessels, or commercial vessels, excluding commercial fishing vessels, within their jurisdictions or of any vessels within the marked boundaries of mooring fields permitted as provided in s. 327.40.
(4)(a) A local government may enact and enforce regulations that require owners or operators of vessels or floating structures subject to the marine sanitation requirements of s. 327.53 to provide proof of proper sewage disposal by means of an approved sewage pumpout service, approved sewage pumpout facility, or approved waste reception facility when anchored or moored for more than 10 consecutive days within the following areas:
1. Marked boundaries of a permitted mooring field under the jurisdiction of the local government;
2. No-discharge zones as published in Volume 53, No. 13 of the Federal Register, page 1678 (1988); Volume 64, No. 164 of the Federal Register, pages 46390-46391 (1999); and Volume 67, No. 98 of the Federal Register, pages 35735-35743 (2002); or
3. No-discharge zones established pursuant to 40 C.F.R. s. 1700.10.
(b) Before a local government may adopt an ordinance to enact and enforce such regulations, the local government must ensure that there are approved sewage pumpout services, approved sewage pumpout facilities, or approved waste reception facilities available within its jurisdiction. Any ordinance adopted pursuant to this subsection may not take effect until reviewed and approved as consistent with this subsection by the commission.
(c) Upon approval of the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to 33 U.S.C. s. 1322, a county designated as a rural area of opportunity may create a no-discharge zone for freshwater water bodies within the county’s jurisdiction to prohibit treated and untreated sewage discharges from floating structures and live-aboard vessels not capable of being used as a means of transportation and from houseboats. Within no-discharge zone boundaries, operators of such floating structures, live-aboard vessels, and houseboats shall retain their sewage on board for discharge at a pumpout facility or for discharge more than 3 miles off the coast in the Atlantic Ocean or more than 9 miles off the coast in the Gulf of Mexico. Violations of this paragraph are punishable as provided in s. 327.53(6) and (7).
(d) This subsection does not prohibit a local government from enacting or enforcing such sewage pumpout requirements for live-aboard vessels, floating structures, and commercial vessels, excluding commercial fishing vessels, within any areas of its jurisdiction.
(e) The commission may adopt rules to implement this subsection.
(5) A local government may enact and enforce regulations to implement the procedures for abandoned or lost property that allow the local law enforcement agency to remove a vessel affixed to a public dock or mooring within its jurisdiction that is abandoned or lost property pursuant to s. 705.103(1). Such regulation must require the local law enforcement agency to post a written notice at least 24 hours before removing the vessel.
History.—s. 10, ch. 59-400; s. 16, ch. 63-105; s. 1, ch. 65-361; s. 3, ch. 72-55; s. 2, ch. 83-20; s. 38, ch. 95-143; s. 30, ch. 99-289; s. 20, ch. 2000-362; s. 3, ch. 2006-172; s. 3, ch. 2006-309; s. 14, ch. 2009-86; s. 9, ch. 2017-163; s. 3, ch. 2019-54; s. 22, ch. 2021-184.
Note.—Former s. 371.59.
327.65 Muffling devices.—
(1) The exhaust of every internal combustion engine used on any vessel operated on the waters of this state shall be effectively muffled by equipment so constructed and used as to muffle the noise of the exhaust in a reasonable manner. The use of cutouts is prohibited, except for vessels competing in a regatta or official boat race, and for such vessels while on trial runs.
(2)(a) Any county wishing to impose additional noise pollution and exhaust regulations on vessels may, pursuant to s. 327.60(2), adopt by county ordinance the following regulations:
1. No person shall operate or give permission for the operation of any vessel on the waters of any county or on a specified portion of the waters of any county, including the Florida Intracoastal Waterway, which has adopted the provisions of this section in such a manner as to exceed the following sound levels at a distance of 50 feet from the vessel: for all vessels, a maximum sound level of 90 dB A.
2. Any person who refuses to submit to a sound level test when requested to do so by a law enforcement officer is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(b) The following words and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in this subsection.
1. “dB A” means the composite abbreviation for the A-weighted sound level and the unit of sound level, the decibel.
2. “Sound level” means the A-weighted sound pressure level measured with fast response using an instrument complying with the specification for sound level meters of the American National Standards Institute, Inc., or its successor bodies, except that only a weighting and fast dynamic response need be provided.
History.—s. 7, ch. 59-400; s. 11, ch. 63-105; s. 1, ch. 65-361; s. 5, ch. 86-35; s. 47, ch. 91-224; s. 15, ch. 2009-86.
Note.—Former s. 371.56.
327.66 Carriage of gasoline on vessels.—
(1)(a) A person shall not:
1. Possess or operate any vessel that has been equipped with tanks, bladders, drums, or other containers designed or intended to hold gasoline, or install or maintain such containers in a vessel, if such containers do not conform to federal regulations or have not been approved by the United States Coast Guard by inspection or special permit.
2. Transport any gasoline in an approved portable container when the container is in a compartment that is not ventilated in strict compliance with United States Coast Guard regulations pertaining to ventilation of compartments containing gasoline tanks.
(b) A person who violates paragraph (a) commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(2)(a) Gasoline possessed or transported in violation of this section and all containers holding such gasoline are declared to be a public nuisance. A law enforcement agency discovering gasoline possessed or transported in violation of paragraph (1)(a) shall abate the nuisance by removing the gasoline and containers from the vessel and from the waters of this state. A law enforcement agency that removes gasoline or containers pursuant to this subsection may elect to:
1. Retain the property for the agency’s own use;
2. Transfer the property to another unit of state or local government;
3. Donate the property to a charitable organization; or
4. Sell the property at public sale pursuant to s. 705.103.
(b) A law enforcement agency that seizes gasoline or containers pursuant to this subsection shall remove and reclaim, recycle, or otherwise dispose of the gasoline as soon as practicable in a safe and proper manner.
(3) All conveyances, vessels, vehicles, and other equipment described in paragraph (1)(a) or used in the commission of a violation of paragraph (1)(a), other than gasoline or containers removed as provided in subsection (2), are declared to be contraband.
(a) Upon conviction of a person arrested for a violation of paragraph (1)(a), the judge shall issue an order adjudging and ordering that all conveyances, vessels, vehicles, and other equipment used in the violation shall be forfeited to the arresting agency. The requirement for a conviction before forfeiture of property establishes to the exclusion of any reasonable doubt that the property was used in connection with the violation resulting in the conviction, and the procedures of chapter 932 do not apply to any forfeiture of property under this subsection following a conviction.
(b) In the absence of an arrest or conviction, any such conveyance, vessel, vehicle, or other equipment used in violation of paragraph (1)(a) shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture as provided by the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act.
(c) As used in this subsection, the term “conviction” means a finding of guilt or the acceptance of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld or whether imposition of sentence is withheld, deferred, or suspended.
(4) All costs incurred by the law enforcement agency in the removal of any gasoline, gasoline container, other equipment, or vessel as provided in this section shall be recoverable against the owner thereof. Any person who neglects or refuses to pay such amount shall not be issued a certificate of registration for such vessel or for any other vessel or motor vehicle until the costs have been paid.
(5) Foreign flagged vessels entering United States waters and waters of this state in compliance with 19 U.S.C. s. 1433 are exempt from this section.
History.—s. 16, ch. 2009-86.
327.70 Enforcement of this chapter and chapter 328.—
(1) This chapter and chapter 328 shall be enforced by the Division of Law Enforcement of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its officers, the sheriffs of the various counties and their deputies, municipal police officers, and any other law enforcement officer as defined in s. 943.10, all of whom may order the removal of vessels deemed to be an interference or a hazard to public safety, enforce the provisions of this chapter and chapter 328, or cause any inspections to be made of all vessels in accordance with this chapter and chapter 328.
(2)(a)1. Upon demonstrated compliance with the safety equipment carriage and use requirements of this chapter during a safety inspection initiated by a law enforcement officer, the operator of a vessel shall be issued a safety inspection decal signifying that the vessel is deemed to have met the safety equipment carriage and use requirements of this chapter at the time and location of such inspection. The commission may designate by rule the timeframe for expiration of, and the specific design for, the safety inspection decal. However, a decal may not be valid for less than 1 calendar year or more than 5 years and, at a minimum, must meet the standards specified in this paragraph. All decals issued by the commission on or before December 31, 2018, are no longer valid after that date.
2. The safety inspection decal, if displayed, must be located within 6 inches of the inspected vessel’s properly displayed vessel registration decal. For nonmotorized vessels that are not required to be registered, the safety inspection decal, if displayed, must be located above the waterline on the forward half of the port side of the vessel.
(b) If a vessel properly displays a valid safety inspection decal created or approved by the division, a law enforcement officer may not stop the vessel for the sole purpose of inspecting the vessel for compliance with the safety equipment carriage and use requirements of this chapter unless there is reasonable suspicion that a violation of a safety equipment carriage or use requirement has occurred or is occurring. This subsection does not restrict a law enforcement officer from stopping a vessel for any other lawful purpose.
(3)(a) Noncriminal violations of the following statutes may be enforced by a uniform boating citation mailed to the registered owner of an unattended vessel anchored, aground, or moored on the waters of this state:
1. Section 327.33(3)(b), relating to navigation rules.
2. Section 327.44, relating to interference with navigation.
3. Section 327.50(2), relating to required lights and shapes.
4. Section 327.53, relating to marine sanitation.
5. Section 328.48(5), relating to display of decal.
6. Section 328.52(2), relating to display of number.
7. Section 327.4107, relating to vessels at risk of becoming derelict.
8. Section 327.4109, relating to prohibited anchoring or mooring.
(b) Citations issued to livery vessels under this subsection are the responsibility of the lessee of the vessel if the livery has included a warning of this responsibility as a part of the rental agreement and has provided to the agency issuing the citation the name, address, and date of birth of the lessee when requested by that agency. The livery is not responsible for the payment of citations if the livery provides the required warning and lessee information.
(c) A noncriminal violation of s. 327.4108 may be enforced by a uniform boating citation issued to the operator of a vessel unlawfully anchored in an anchoring limitation area.
(d) A noncriminal violation of s. 327.4109 may be enforced by a uniform boating citation issued to the owner or operator of a vessel or floating structure unlawfully anchored or moored in a prohibited area.
(4) Such officers shall have the power and duty to issue such orders and to make such investigations, reports, and arrests in connection with any violation of the provisions of this chapter and chapter 328 as are necessary to effectuate the intent and purpose of this chapter and chapter 328.
(5) The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or any other law enforcement agency may make any investigation necessary to secure information required to carry out and enforce the provisions of this chapter and chapter 328.
History.—s. 1, ch. 65-361; ss. 25, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 3, ch. 72-16; s. 10, ch. 74-327; s. 3, ch. 78-181; ss. 10, 12, ch. 84-188; s. 30, ch. 99-245; s. 17, ch. 2009-86; s. 2, ch. 2016-96; s. 2, ch. 2016-108; s. 2, ch. 2016-134; s. 10, ch. 2017-163; s. 1, ch. 2018-27.
Note.—Former s. 371.67.
327.71 Exemption.—The commission may, if it finds that federal law imposes less restrictive requirements than provided herein or if it determines that boating safety will not be adversely affected, issue temporary exemptions from any provision of this chapter or rules established hereunder, on such terms and conditions as it considers appropriate.
History.—s. 11, ch. 81-100; s. 31, ch. 99-245.
327.72 Penalties.—Any person failing to comply with the provisions of this chapter or chapter 328 not specified in s. 327.73 or not paying the civil penalty specified in s. 327.73 within 30 days, except as otherwise provided in this chapter or chapter 328, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 1, ch. 65-361; s. 304, ch. 71-136; s. 1, ch. 78-181; s. 3, ch. 80-266; s. 13, ch. 84-188; s. 4, ch. 86-35; s. 48, ch. 91-224; s. 3, ch. 99-162; s. 21, ch. 2000-362; s. 5, ch. 2011-152.
Note.—Former s. 371.68.
327.73 Noncriminal infractions.—
(1) Violations of the following provisions of the vessel laws of this state are noncriminal infractions:
(a) Section 328.46, relating to operation of unregistered and unnumbered vessels.
(b) Section 328.48(4), relating to display of number and possession of registration certificate.
(c) Section 328.48(5), relating to display of decal.
(d) Section 328.52(2), relating to display of number.
(e) Section 328.54, relating to spacing of digits and letters of identification number.
(f) Section 328.60, relating to military personnel and registration of vessels.
(g) Section 328.72(13), relating to operation with an expired registration, for which the penalty is:
1. For a first or subsequent offense of s. 328.72(13)(a), up to a maximum of $50.
2. For a first offense of s. 328.72(13)(b), up to a maximum of $250.
3. For a second or subsequent offense of s. 328.72(13)(b), up to a maximum of $500. Any person cited for a noncriminal infraction under this subparagraph may not have the provisions of paragraph (4)(a) available to him or her but must appear before the designated official at the time and location of the scheduled hearing.
(h) Section 327.33(2), relating to careless operation.
(i) Section 327.37, relating to water skiing, aquaplaning, parasailing, and similar activities.
(j) Section 327.44, relating to interference with navigation.
(k) Violations relating to boating-restricted areas and speed limits:
1. Established by the commission or by local governmental authorities pursuant to s. 327.46.
2. Speed limits established pursuant to s. 379.2431(2).
(l) Section 327.48, relating to regattas and races.
(m) Section 327.50(1) and (2), relating to required safety equipment, lights, and shapes.
(n) Section 327.65, relating to muffling devices.
(o) Section 327.33(3)(b), relating to a violation of navigation rules:
1. That does not result in an accident; or
2. That results in an accident not causing serious bodily injury or death, for which the penalty is:
a. For a first offense, up to a maximum of $250.
b. For a second offense, up to a maximum of $750.
c. For a third or subsequent offense, up to a maximum of $1,000.
(p) Section 327.39(1), (2), (3), and (5), relating to personal watercraft.
(q) Section 327.53(1), (2), (3), and (8), relating to marine sanitation.
(r) Section 327.53(4), (5), and (7), relating to marine sanitation, and s. 327.60, relating to no-discharge zones, for which the civil penalty is $250.
(s) Section 327.395, relating to boater safety education. However, a person cited for violating the requirements of s. 327.395 relating to failure to have required proof of boating safety education in his or her possession may not be convicted if, before or at the time of a county court hearing, the person produces proof of the boating safety education identification card or temporary certificate for verification by the hearing officer or the court clerk and the identification card or temporary certificate was valid at the time the person was cited.
(t) Section 327.52(3), relating to operation of overloaded or overpowered vessels.
(u) Section 327.331, relating to divers-down warning devices, except for violations meeting the requirements of s. 327.33.
(v) Section 327.391(1), relating to the requirement for an adequate muffler on an airboat.
(w) Section 327.391(3), relating to the display of a flag on an airboat.
(x) Section 253.04(3)(a), relating to carelessly causing seagrass scarring, for which the civil penalty upon conviction is:
1. For a first offense, $50.
2. For a second offense occurring within 12 months after a prior conviction, $250.
3. For a third offense occurring within 36 months after a prior conviction, $500.
4. For a fourth or subsequent offense occurring within 72 months after a prior conviction, $1,000.
(y) Section 327.45, relating to protection zones for springs, for which the penalty is:
1. For a first offense, $50.
2. For a second offense occurring within 12 months after a prior conviction, $250.
3. For a third offense occurring within 36 months after a prior conviction, $500.
4. For a fourth or subsequent offense occurring within 72 months after a prior conviction, $1,000.
(z) Section 327.4108, relating to the anchoring of vessels in anchoring limitation areas, for which the penalty is:
1. For a first offense, up to a maximum of $50.
2. For a second offense, up to a maximum of $100.
3. For a third or subsequent offense, up to a maximum of $250.
(aa) Section 327.4107, relating to vessels at risk of becoming derelict on waters of this state, for which the civil penalty is:
1. For a first offense, $100.
2. For a second offense occurring 30 days or more after a first offense, $250.
3. For a third or subsequent offense occurring 30 days or more after a previous offense, $500.
A vessel that is the subject of three or more violations issued pursuant to the same paragraph of s. 327.4107(2) within an 18-month period which result in dispositions other than acquittal or dismissal shall be declared to be a public nuisance and subject to ss. 705.103(2) and (4) and 823.11(3). The commission, an officer of the commission, or a law enforcement agency or officer specified in s. 327.70 may relocate, remove, or cause to be relocated or removed such public nuisance vessels from waters of this state. The commission, an officer of the commission, or a law enforcement agency or officer acting pursuant to this paragraph upon waters of this state shall be held harmless for all damages to the vessel resulting from such relocation or removal unless the damage results from gross negligence or willful misconduct as these terms are defined in s. 823.11.
(bb) Section 327.4109, relating to anchoring or mooring in a prohibited area, for which the penalty is:
1. For a first offense, up to a maximum of $50.
2. For a second offense, up to a maximum of $100.
3. For a third or subsequent offense, up to a maximum of $250.
(cc) Section 327.463(4)(a) and (b), relating to vessels creating special hazards, for which the penalty is:
1. For a first offense, $50.
2. For a second offense occurring within 12 months after a prior offense, $100.
3. For a third offense occurring within 36 months after a prior offense, $250.
(dd) Section 327.371, relating to the regulation of human-powered vessels.
Any person cited for a violation of any provision of this subsection shall be deemed to be charged with a noncriminal infraction, shall be cited for such an infraction, and shall be cited to appear before the county court. The civil penalty for any such infraction is $50, except as otherwise provided in this section. Any person who fails to appear or otherwise properly respond to a uniform boating citation shall, in addition to the charge relating to the violation of the boating laws of this state, be charged with the offense of failing to respond to such citation and, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. A written warning to this effect shall be provided at the time such uniform boating citation is issued.
(2) Any person cited for an infraction under this section may:
(a) Post a bond, which shall be equal in amount to the applicable civil penalty; or
(b) Sign and accept a citation indicating a promise to appear.
The officer may indicate on the citation the time and location of the scheduled hearing and shall indicate the applicable civil penalty.
(3) Any person who willfully refuses to post a bond or accept and sign a summons is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.
(4) Any person charged with a noncriminal infraction under this section may:
(a) Pay the civil penalty, either by mail or in person, within 30 days of the date of receiving the citation; or,
(b) If he or she has posted bond, forfeit bond by not appearing at the designated time and location.
If the person cited follows either of the above procedures, he or she shall be deemed to have admitted the noncriminal infraction and to have waived the right to a hearing on the issue of commission of the infraction. Such admission shall not be used as evidence in any other proceedings. If a person who is cited for a violation of s. 327.395 can show a boating safety identification card issued to that person and valid at the time of the citation, the clerk of the court may dismiss the case and may assess a dismissal fee of up to $10, from which the clerk shall remit $2.50 to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund. If a person who is cited for a violation of s. 328.72(13) can show proof of having a registration for that vessel which was valid at the time of the citation, the clerk may dismiss the case and may assess the dismissal fee, from which the clerk shall remit $2.50 to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund.
(5) Any person electing to appear before the county court or who is required so to appear shall be deemed to have waived the limitations on the civil penalty specified in subsection (1). The court, after a hearing, shall make a determination as to whether an infraction has been committed. If the commission of an infraction has been proven, the court may impose a civil penalty not to exceed $500 or a higher amount as specified in subsection (1).
(6) At a hearing under this chapter the commission of a charged infraction must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.
(7) If a person is found by the hearing official to have committed an infraction, he or she may appeal that finding to the circuit court.
(8) All fees and civil penalties assessed and collected pursuant to this section shall be remitted by the clerk of the court to the Department of Revenue to be deposited into the Marine Resources Conservation Trust Fund for boating safety education purposes.
(9)(a) Any person who fails to comply with the court’s requirements or who fails to pay the civil penalties specified in this section within the 30-day period provided for in s. 327.72 must pay an additional court cost of up to $20, which shall be used by the clerks of the courts to defray the costs of tracking unpaid uniform boating citations, from which the clerk shall remit $2 to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund.
(b) Any person who fails to comply with the court’s requirements as to civil penalties specified in this section due to demonstrated financial hardship shall be authorized to satisfy such civil penalties by public works or community service. Each hour of such service shall be applied, at the rate of the minimum wage, toward payment of the person’s civil penalties; provided, however, that if the person has a trade or profession for which there is a community service need and application, the rate for each hour of such service shall be the average standard wage for such trade or profession. Any person who fails to comply with the court’s requirements as to such civil penalties who does not demonstrate financial hardship may also, at the discretion of the court, be authorized to satisfy such civil penalties by public works or community service in the same manner.
(c) If the noncriminal infraction has caused or resulted in the death of another, the court may require the person who committed the infraction to perform 120 community service hours in addition to any other penalties.
(10) Any person cited for any noncriminal infraction which results in an accident that causes the death of another, or which results in an accident that causes “serious bodily injury” of another as defined in s. 327.353(1), shall not have the provisions of subsection (4) available to him or her but must appear before the designated official at the time and location of the scheduled hearing.
(11)(a) Court costs that are to be in addition to the stated civil penalty shall be imposed by the court in an amount not less than the following:
1. For swimming or diving infractions, $4, from which the clerk shall remit $1 to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund.
2. For nonmoving boating infractions, $18, from which the clerk shall remit $12 to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund.
3. For boating infractions listed in s. 327.731(1), $35, from which the clerk shall remit $25 to the Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund.
(b) In addition to the court cost assessed under paragraph (a), the court shall impose a $3 court cost for each noncriminal infraction, to be distributed as provided in s. 938.01, and a $2 court cost as provided in s. 938.15 when assessed by a municipality or county.
Court costs imposed under this subsection may not exceed $45. A criminal justice selection center or both local criminal justice access and assessment centers may be funded from these court costs.
History.—s. 3, ch. 86-35; s. 7, ch. 87-392; s. 6, ch. 88-133; s. 4, ch. 88-144; s. 5, ch. 89-136; s. 32, ch. 91-221; s. 2, ch. 93-83; s. 2, ch. 93-254; s. 7, ch. 94-241; s. 955, ch. 95-148; s. 3, ch. 96-187; s. 60, ch. 96-413; s. 3, ch. 97-16; s. 2, ch. 99-162; s. 31, ch. 99-289; s. 48, ch. 2000-152; ss. 22, 23, ch. 2000-362; s. 13, ch. 2001-122; s. 3, ch. 2002-46; s. 13, ch. 2003-143; s. 103, ch. 2003-402; s. 6, ch. 2004-74; s. 65, ch. 2004-265; s. 4, ch. 2006-172; s. 36, ch. 2008-111; s. 196, ch. 2008-247; s. 18, ch. 2009-86; s. 63, ch. 2010-5; s. 20, ch. 2011-4; s. 4, ch. 2011-152; s. 3, ch. 2014-138; s. 3, ch. 2016-96; s. 3, ch. 2016-108; s. 3, ch. 2016-171; s. 2, ch. 2016-233; s. 11, ch. 2017-163; s. 4, ch. 2019-54; s. 21, ch. 2019-58; s. 23, ch. 2021-184; s. 2, ch. 2021-192.
327.731 Mandatory education for violators.—
(1) A person convicted of a criminal violation under this chapter, convicted of a noncriminal infraction under this chapter if the infraction resulted in a reportable boating accident, or convicted of two noncriminal infractions as specified in s. 327.73(1)(h)-(k), (m), (o), (p), and (s)-(y), said infractions occurring within a 12-month period, must:
(a) Enroll in, attend, and successfully complete, at his or her own expense, a classroom or online boating safety course that is approved by and meets the minimum standards established by commission rule;
(b) File with the commission within 90 days proof of successful completion of the course; and
(c) Refrain from operating a vessel until he or she has filed proof of successful completion of the course with the commission.
(2) For the purposes of this section, “conviction” means a finding of guilt, or the acceptance of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, regardless of whether or not adjudication was withheld or whether imposition of sentence was withheld, deferred, or suspended. Any person who operates a vessel on the waters of this state in violation of the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(3) The commission shall print on the reverse side of the defendant’s copy of the boating citation a notice of the provisions of this section. Upon conviction, the clerk of the court shall notify the defendant that it is unlawful for him or her to operate any vessel until he or she has complied with this section, but failure of the clerk of the court to provide such a notice shall not be a defense to a charge of unlawful operation of a vessel under subsection (2).
History.—s. 7, ch. 88-133; s. 49, ch. 91-224; s. 465, ch. 95-148; s. 4, ch. 96-187; s. 9, ch. 98-308; s. 4, ch. 99-162; s. 32, ch. 99-245; s. 24, ch. 2000-362; s. 5, ch. 2004-74; s. 5, ch. 2006-172; s. 19, ch. 2009-86; s. 6, ch. 2011-152; s. 3, ch. 2014-136; s. 3, ch. 2016-233.
327.74 Uniform boating citations.—
(1) The commission shall prepare, and supply to every law enforcement agency in this state which enforces the laws of this state regulating the operation of vessels, an appropriate form boating citation containing a notice to appear (which shall be issued in prenumbered books with citations in quintuplicate) and meeting the requirements of this chapter or any laws of this state regulating boating, which form shall be consistent with the state’s county court rules and the procedures established by the commission.
(2) Courts, enforcement agencies, and the commission are jointly responsible to account for all uniform boating citations in accordance with the procedures promulgated by the commission.
(3) Every law enforcement officer, upon issuing a boating citation to an alleged violator of any provision of the boating laws of this state or any boating ordinance of any municipality, shall deposit the original and one copy of such boating citation with a court having jurisdiction over the alleged offense or with its traffic violations bureau within 5 days after issuance to the violator.
(4) The chief administrative officer of every law enforcement agency shall require the return to him or her of the commission record copy of every boating citation issued by an officer under his or her supervision to an alleged violator of any boating law or ordinance and all copies of every boating citation which has been spoiled or upon which any entry has been made and not issued to an alleged violator.
(5) Upon the deposit of the original and one copy of such boating citation with a court having jurisdiction over the alleged offense or with its traffic violations bureau as aforesaid, the original or copy of such boating citation may be disposed of only by trial in the court or other official action by a judge of the court, including forfeiture of the bail, or by the deposit of sufficient bail with, or payment of a fine to, the traffic violations bureau by the person to whom such boating citation has been issued by the law enforcement officer.
(6) The chief administrative officer shall transmit, on a form approved by the commission, the commission record copy of the uniform boating citation to the commission within 5 days after submission of the original and one copy to the court. A copy of such transmittal shall also be provided to the court having jurisdiction for accountability purposes.
(7) It is unlawful and official misconduct for any law enforcement officer or other officer or public employee to dispose of a boating citation or copies thereof or of the record of the issuance of the same in a manner other than as required in this section.
(8) Such citations shall not be admissible evidence in any trial.
(9) If a uniform boating citation has not been issued with respect to a criminal boating offense, and the prosecution is by affidavit, information, or indictment, the prosecutor shall direct the arresting officer to prepare a citation. In the absence of an arresting officer, the prosecutor shall prepare the citation. For the purpose of this subsection, the term “arresting officer” means the law enforcement officer who apprehended or took into custody the alleged offender.
(10) Upon final disposition of any alleged offense for which a uniform boating citation has been issued, the court shall, within 10 days, certify said disposition to the commission.
History.—s. 8, ch. 87-392; s. 6, ch. 89-136; s. 466, ch. 95-148; s. 33, ch. 99-245.
327.803 Boating Advisory Council.—
(1) The Boating Advisory Council is created within the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and shall be composed of 18 members. The members include:
(a) One representative from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, who shall serve as the chair of the council.
(b) One representative each from the Department of Environmental Protection, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the United States Power Squadron, and the inland navigation districts.
(c) One representative of manatee protection interests, one representative of the marine industries, one representative of water-related environmental groups, one representative of canoe or kayak enthusiasts, one representative of marine manufacturers, one representative of commercial vessel owners or operators, one representative of marine special events, one representative actively involved and working full-time in the scuba diving industry who has experience in recreational boating, one representative of either the commercial fishing industry or the commercial shellfishing industry, and two representatives of the boating public, each of whom shall be nominated by the executive director of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and appointed by the Governor to serve staggered 3-year terms. Members appointed by the Governor may serve no more than two full consecutive terms.
(d) One member of the House of Representatives, who shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(e) One member of the Senate, who shall be appointed by the President of the Senate.
(2) The council shall meet at the call of the chair, at the request of a majority of its membership, or at such times as may be prescribed by rule.
(3) The purpose of the council is to make recommendations to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Department of Economic Opportunity regarding issues affecting the boating community, including, but not limited to, issues related to:
(a) Boating and diving safety education.
(b) Boating-related facilities, including marinas and boat testing facilities.
(c) Boat usage.
(d) Boat access.
(e) Working waterfronts.
(4) Members of the council shall serve without compensation but are entitled to reimbursement of expenses as provided in s. 112.061.
(5) A vacancy on the council shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment. Members whose terms have expired may continue to serve until replaced or reappointed.
(6) Members of the council may be removed for cause.
History.—s. 13, ch. 94-241; s. 34, ch. 99-245; s. 25, ch. 2000-362; s. 1, ch. 2005-158; s. 229, ch. 2011-142.
327.804 Compilation of statistics on boating accidents and violations.—The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shall compile statistics on boating accidents and boating violations of the age groups of persons affected by chapter 96-187, Laws of Florida.
History.—s. 5, ch. 96-187; s. 35, ch. 99-245.