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FLORIDA - The Florida Senate voted unanimously on Monday to pass legislation aimed at restricting law enforcement’s ability to conduct random boat-safety inspections.
However, the bill’s future remains uncertain, as the Florida House has yet to take action.
The proposal championed by Governor Ron DeSantis, Senate Bill 1388, seeks to prevent officers, particularly those from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, from stopping or boarding vessels solely for safety or equipment checks without probable cause.
Officers would still be allowed to intervene if they suspect other boating violations are occurring.
Governor DeSantis has argued that random inspections are an inefficient use of law enforcement resources.
He pointed to a widely circulated incident near Jupiter, Florida, where a boater allegedly suspected of operating under the influence was subjected to a breathalyzer test, only to blow a 0.0 and still face further scrutiny.
DeSantis called the situation “unacceptable” during remarks made in February.
In addition to curbing inspections, the Senate expanded the bill by incorporating elements from two other pieces of boating legislation.
The amendments include harsher penalties for boat operators who allegedly flee crash scenes involving fatalities without providing aid, identifying themselves, or contacting authorities.
The bill also addresses issues related to derelict vessels and regulations around long-term anchoring.
While the Senate has taken decisive action, the bill’s ultimate fate rests with the House, which has yet to schedule a vote.