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Through enhanced safety requirements and stronger penalties for reckless boating, we can prevent tragedy and save lives.
BOATING IS A WAY OF LIFE
IN FLORIDA
Our state is home to more than 1,300 miles of coastline, offering many diverse and unique experiences on the water.
For some, it’s a business. For others, it’s a mode of transportation. For many, its where great memories are made with family and friends.
A SERIOUS RESPONSIBILITY.
Reckless and negligent behavior on the water can result in dangerous accidents and even lead to death.
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Florida leads the nation in boating fatalities with an average of 65 per year, according to Florida Fishing and Wildlife Commission. The Florida Keys and Miami rank as the two deadliest places for boating accidents in Florida.
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A vast majority of accidents could have been avoided with education and training.
LUCY'S LAW CAN PREVENT TRAGEDY
- AND SAVE LIVES
LEGISLATION
PROPOSED
CURRENTLY, THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT FOR A BOATING LICENSE.
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Only individuals younger than 36 are required to complete a boating education course before operating a boat, leaving the vast majority of boat owners and operators in Florida without knowledge of basic maritime safety.
HB 289, sponsored by Representatives Vanessa Oliver and Vicki Lopez, and SB 628, sponsored by Senator Jonathan Martin, would require safety training for all boating operators and ensure that anyone operating a boat in Florida has a basic understanding of safe boating practices.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
"Our vessels should be held to the same standard in the water as our vehicles on roadways."
MIAMI-DADE STATE ATTORNEY
KATHERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE
"At a bare minimum the boater-safety laws need to be equivalent to and consistent with motor vehicle laws. We have been pushing for that and I know the proposed bill that was filed by Sen. Garcia seeks to bridge some of those gaps.”
ANDRES FERNANDEZ
FATHER OF VICTIM LUCY FERNANDEZ
“Florida needs laws that prioritize safety on the water and send a clear message that reckless and negligent behavior will not be tolerated.”
MIAMI HERALD
EDITORIAL BOARD
IN THE NEWS
Deadly Miami boat crash exposed legal holes that lawmakers have opportunity to close | Opinion
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MIAMI HERALD
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Hit-and-run boating death drives boost in signatures on petition to boost mandatory boating safety classes​
ISLANDER NEWS​
Florida lawmaker proposes tougher boater penalties after deadly crash​
TAMPA BAY TIMES
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N.C. woman dead, man arrested after motorboat hits sailboat in Florida Keys, officials say​
MIAMI HERALD
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Waterskier killed Saturday in Nixon Beach hit-and-run accident identified as 15-year old Ransom Everglades student
MIAMI HERALD
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Safe Seas Coalition
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