DeSantis Proposes Boater Freedom Legislation

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed legislation to limit local government and regulatory agency overreach on boating regulations, aiming to reduce unwarranted safety inspections by law enforcement. The proposal prevents officers from conducting boat safety inspections without probable cause, addressing concerns over intrusive checks on responsible boaters. A notable incident involved a boater in Jupiter, Florida, stopped for allegedly operating under the influence but registered a 0.0 on a breathalyzer test. The legislation, potentially discussed in the upcoming session starting March 4, would introduce a boater decal system to demonstrate safety compliance and reduce unnecessary stops. Additionally, it seeks to preserve gas-powered boats against regulations favoring electric vessels and includes funding for expanded waterway access. This plan is part of DeSantis' Boater Freedom Initiative, which aims to enhance boating experiences while ensuring responsible regulation.