The Florida Senate
HOUSE MESSAGE SUMMARY
Prepared By: The Professional Staff of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
[2022s00606.hms.en.docx]
BILL: CS/SB 606
INTRODUCER: Appropriations Committee and Senator Garcia
SUBJECT: Boating Safety
DATE: March 7, 2022
I.Amendments Contained in Message:
House Amendment - 981283
II.Summary of Amendments Contained in Message:
House Amendment – 981283 requires the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)-
approved boating safety education course or temporary certificate examination to include
components regarding the proper use and lifesaving benefits of an engine cutoff switch for
motorboats and personal watercraft, and the danger associated with a passenger riding on a seat
back, gunwale, transom, bow, motor cover, or any other vessel area not designed and designated
by the manufacturer for seating; a passenger falling overboard; operating a vessel with a person
in the water near the vessel; starting a vessel with the engine in gear; and leaving the vessel
running when a passenger is boarding or disembarking.
The amendment requires FWC to include the components in boating safety education campaigns
and in educational materials produced by FWC, as appropriate.
The amendment requires the operator of a vessel used in the instruction of a water sport or
activity to use an engine cutoff switch and wear an operative link to the switch when a person
participating in the water sport of activity is in the water.