(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill that would prevent boaters from being subjected to constant inspections by state and local maritime law enforcement agencies.
Senate Bill 1388, known as the “Boater Freedom Act,” is sponsored by Panama City Republican Sen. Jay Trumbull. He said that one of the reasons he wanted to pass the legislation was one of his neighbors being boarded three times in one boating trips.
“You know, with the signing of of this bill, Senate Bill 1388, the Boater Freedom Act, we’re reaffirming that the principles of freedom and limited government do not stop at the shoreline,” Trumbull said. “At its core, the voter Freedom Act is about protecting personal freedoms and preventing government overreach, the right to move freely without being stopped or questioned without cause, is fundamental in a free society and the right should apply whether you’re on the highway or on the water. We do respect our law enforcement officers and their mission, but there has to be a balance.”
The law, which will go into effect July 1, will prohibit waterborne state and local law enforcement officers from performing a boarding of a boat without probable cause; allow the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to create a “Florida Freedom Boater” safety inspection decal program; and create a grant program for construction and maintenance of publicly owned parking for boat-hauling vehicles and trailers.
“We also want to right a wrong that has happened in terms of how people are approached on the water by law enforcement,” DeSantis said. “Now, current law allows both state and local law enforcement to pull a voter over when no probable cause or suspected violation has incurred and to conduct inspections. Inspections may include personal property searches, sometimes leading to further law enforcement action beyond merely safety compliance.
“I think by this legislation protecting you against suspicion less searches, I think it actually will be a better allocation of resources, not just for FWC (Fish and Wildlife Commission), but also for the other local law enforcement agencies who are really important in keeping our people safe.”
The bill would also prohibit state or local governments from restricting the use or sale of any watercraft based on its power source.
“We’re not going to allow local governments to step in and block the ability to purchase and for the businesses to sell vessels based on the source of fuel that those vessels are using,” DeSantis said. “You know, we know a lot of families opt for used vessels, and of course, they’re going to be gas powered. People want to be able to afford this, and if you don’t, if you impose these draconian restrictions, you’re not going to be able to do it.”
DeSantis also signed House Bill 735, which provides additional funding for public boat ramps, parking, and marina programs through the FWC.
