STORAGE NAME: h0289c.JDC
DATE: 3/18/2025
1
FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
BILL ANALYSIS
This bill analysis was prepared by nonpartisan committee staff and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
BILL #: CS/CS/HB 289
TITLE: Boating Safety
SPONSOR(S): Oliver and Lopez, V.
COMPANION BILL: CS/CS/SB 628 (Martin)
LINKED BILLS: None
RELATED BILLS: None
Committee References
Criminal Justice
18 Y, 0 N, As CS
State Affairs
25 Y, 0 N, As CS
Judiciary
SUMMARY
Effect of the Bill:
The bill makes several changes relating to boating safety, including:
Aligning the offenses and penalties for leaving the scene of a boating accident, reckless operation of a vessel,
and vessel homicide with the corresponding driving offenses.
Prohibiting a person from knowingly providing false information in a vessel accident report.
Requiring every person who operates a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater to either
possess a valid boater safety card or specified equivalent or, if such person was born before January 1,
1988, to have been a Florida resident for at least five consecutive years.
Requiring a person who is convicted of one noncriminal boating infraction to complete a boating safety
course.
Excluding specified leases or rentals of vessels from requirements with which a livery must comply.
Fiscal or Economic Impact:
The bill may have an indeterminate positive impact on jail and prison beds by creating new offenses and increasing
the penalties for specified boating offenses, which may result in increased jail and prison admissions and longer
sentences. The bill may have a negative fiscal impact on the private sector by requiring persons born before
January 1, 1988, who have not been Florida residents for five consecutive years to possess a valid boater safety
card when operating a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
ANALYSIS
EFFECT OF THE BILL:
Leaving the Scene of a Boating Accident
The bill revises the penalties for leaving the scene of a boating accident to mirror the penalties for leaving the
scene of a vehicle crash. Under the bill, a person who operates a vessel involved in an accident and leaves the scene
of such accident without complying with the requirement to render aid, provide his or her identifying information,
and contact law enforcement commits a:
Second degree misdemeanor, if the accident results in property damage only.
Third degree felony, ranked as a Level 5 offense on the offense severity ranking chart (OSRC), if the
accident results in injury to a person other than serious bodily injury.
1
Second degree felony, ranked as a Level 6 offense on the OSRC, if the accident results in serious bodily
injury.
First degree felony, which is unranked on the OSRC and thus defaults to a Level 7 offense, if the accident
results in the death of another person or an unborn child. (Section 3).
1 For purposes of s. 327.30(5), F.S., the bill defines “serious bodily injury” to mean an injury to any person, including the operator, which
consists of a physical condition that creates a substantial risk of death, serious personal disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of
the function of any bodily member or organ. S. 327.353, F.S. JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
2
Under the bill, a person who willfully leaves the scene of a boating accident that results in the death of another
person or an unborn child must be sentenced to a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of four years.
(Sections 3 and 11).
False Reports
The bill prohibits any person from giving information in oral, electronic, or written reports required under ch. 327,
F.S., which includes vessel accident reports, if he or she knows or has reason to believe that such information is
false. A violation is punishable as a second degree misdemeanor. This is similar to an existing prohibition against
knowingly making false reports relating to vehicle crashes. (Section 4).
Reckless Operation of a Vessel
The bill revises the penalties for reckless operation of a vessel to mirror the penalties for reckless driving. Under
the bill, a person who recklessly operates a vessel commits a:
Second degree misdemeanor, if such reckless operation does not result in an accident.
First degree misdemeanor, if such reckless operation results in an accident that causes damage to the
property or person of another.
Third degree felony, which is unranked on the OSRC and thus defaults to a Level 1 offense, if such reckless
operation results in an accident that causes serious bodily injury.
2 (Section 5).
Vessel Homicide
The bill aligns the crime of vessel homicide with the crime of vehicular homicide by specifying that an unborn child
is a victim of a vessel homicide if the unborn child’s death is caused by an injury to the mother that results from a
person operating a vessel in a reckless manner that is likely to cause the death of, or great bodily harm to, another.
The bill defines “unborn child” to mean a member of the species Homo sapiens, at any stage of development, who is
carried in the womb.
3 (Section 10).
Boating Safety Requirements
The bill retains a provision requiring that a person born on or after January 1, 1988, have a boating safety card or
specified equivalent in his or her possession while operating a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or
greater. For a person born before January 1, 1988, the bill requires such person, while operating a vessel powered
by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater, to possess a boating safety card or specified equivalent or to have been a
Florida resident for at least five consecutive years. (Section 6).
Mandatory Education for Violators
The bill expands the list of individuals who must complete a boating safety course after committing a boating
violation by requiring a person who is convicted of one noncriminal boating infraction to complete the course.
(Section 8)
Regulation of Liveries
The bill revises the definition of “livery vessel” to include only a vessel that is leased or rented, and excludes a
vessel that is “chartered to another for consideration.” The bill also amends the definition of a “livery” to include a
lease or rental of a vessel in which the owner does not provide or does not require the lessee or renter to provide,
as a condition of the rental or lease agreement, a person licensed by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to serve
as master of the vessel or to manage the vessel. As such, under the bill, a person who leases or rents a vessel to
another and who provides or requires the lessee or renter to provide a person licensed by the USCG would no
longer be considered a “livery” and thus not subject to the operational and insurance requirements for a livery in s.
327.54, F.S. (Sections 2 and 7).
Short Title
The act is named “Lucy’s Law.” (Section 1).
2 For purposes of s. 327.33, F.S., the bill defines “serious bodily injury” to mean an injury to another person, which consists of a physical
condition that creates a substantial risk of death, serious personal disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any
bodily member or organ. S. 316.192(3)(c)2., F.S.
3 S. 775.021(5)(e), F.S. JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
3
Effective Date
The effective date of the bill is July 1, 2025. (Section 12).
FISCAL OR ECONOMIC IMPACT:
STATE GOVERNMENT:
The bill may have an indeterminate positive impact on prison beds by increasing the penalties for leaving the scene
of a boating accident and reckless operation of a vessel, including a minimum mandatory sentence for leaving the
scene of a boating accident that results in death, which may result in longer prison sentences for persons convicted
of such offenses.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT:
The bill may have an indeterminate positive impact on jail beds by creating the new misdemeanor offense for
making false reports and increasing the penalties for specified felony offenses, which may result in more jail
admissions.
PRIVATE SECTOR:
The bill requires a person born before January 1, 1988, to possess a valid boating safety card while operating a
vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater unless he or she has been a resident of Florida for at least
five consecutive years. Expanding the requirement to have a boating safety card may result in an indeterminate
negative fiscal impact to a person who is currently exempt from such a requirement by requiring the person to pay
for and complete a boating safety education course or maintain a specified licensure or certification exempting
such person from the requirement.
RELEVANT INFORMATION
SUBJECT OVERVIEW:
Boating Offenses
Leaving the Scene of a Boating Accident
Section 327.30, F.S., imposes a duty on the operator of a vessel
4 involved in an accident, collision, or other casualty
(accident), to render assistance to other persons affected by the accident, to provide his or her name and contact
information, and to notify specified law enforcement agencies of the accident. A person who is operating a vessel
involved in an accident and who leaves the scene of the accident and fails to comply with these requirements
commits a:
Second degree misdemeanor,
5 if the accident results in property damage only.
Third degree felony,
6 ranked as a Level 5 offense on the OSRC, if the accident results in personal injury.
Reckless Operation of a Vessel
Under s. 327.33, F.S. a person commits the offense of reckless operation of a vessel, a violation of which is
punishable as a first degree misdemeanor,
7 if he or she:
Operates any vessel, or manipulates any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device in willful or wanton
disregard for the safety of persons or property, at a speed or in a manner as to endanger, or likely to
endanger, life or limb, or damage the property of, or injure a person; or
Approaches within 100 feet of a divers-down warning device on a river, inlet, or navigation channel, or
within 300 feet of a divers-down warning device on waters other than a river, inlet, or navigation channel.
4 “Vessel” is synonymous with boat as referenced in article VII, section 1(b) of the Florida Constitution and includes every description of
watercraft, barge, and airboat, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water. S.
327.02(47), F.S.
5 A second degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Ss. 775.082 or 775.083, F.S.
6 A third degree felony is punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine. Ss. 775.082, 775.083, or 775.084, F.S.
7 A first degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Ss. 775.082 or 775.083, F.S. JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
4
Vessel Homicide
A person commits vessel homicide if he or she kills another human being by operating a vessel in a reckless
manner that is likely to cause the death of, or great bodily harm to, another person.
8 A conviction for vessel
homicide is punishable as a second degree felony.
9 If a person commits vessel homicide and, at the time of the
accident the person knew or should have known that the accident occurred and he or she failed to give information
and render aid as required by s. 327.30(1), F.S., a conviction is punishable as a first degree felony.
10
Vehicle Offenses
Leaving the Scene of a Vehicle Crash
Section 316.062, F.S., imposes a duty on the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash resulting in property damage,
injury, or death, to render assistance to other persons injured in the crash, to provide his or her name and contact
information, and to notify specified law enforcement agencies of the accident. A person who fails to comply with
these requirements commits a:
Second degree misdemeanor if the crash results in property damage only.
11
Third degree felony, ranked as a Level 5 offense on the OSRC, if the crash results in personal injury other
than serious bodily injury.
12
Second degree felony, ranked as a Level 6 offense on the OSRC, if the crash results in serious bodily injury
to a person.
13
First degree felony, ranked as a Level 7 offense on the OSRC, if the crash results in the death of a person.
14
A person who is convicted for willfully leaving the scene of a crash which results in the death of a person must be
sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of four years.
15
Reckless Driving
A person commits the offense of reckless driving if he or she drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for
the safety of persons or property.
16 A first conviction for reckless driving is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a
$500 fine.
17 If a person commits the offense of reckless driving and causes:
Damage to the property or person of another, he or she commits a first degree misdemeanor.
18
Serious bodily injury to another, he or she commits a third degree felony, which is unranked and thus
defaults to a Level 1 offense on the OSRC.
19
False Reports
Section 316.066, F.S., requires a law enforcement officer to complete specified forms when responding to a crash
involving a vehicle. Generally, such forms contain information concerning the crash, including the date and time of
the crash, a description of the vehicles involved, the names of the parties, names of witnesses, and relevant
insurance information.
20 Section 316.067, F.S., prohibits any person from giving information in oral, electronic, or
written reports required under ch. 316, F.S., including a crash report, if he or she knows or has reason to believe
that such information is false. A violation is punishable as a second degree misdemeanor.
Vehicular Homicide
A person commits vehicular homicide if he or she kills a human being, or an unborn child by injury to the mother,
by operating a motor vehicle in a reckless manner likely to cause the death of, or great bodily harm to, another
person.
21 A conviction for vehicular homicide is punishable as a second degree felony.
22 If a person commits
8 S. 782.072, F.S.
9 Id. A second degree felony is punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. Ss. 775.082, 775.083, or 775.084, F.S.
10 Id. A first degree felony is punishable by up to 30 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. Ss. 775.082, 775.083, or 775.084, F.S.
11 Ss. 316.061(1) or 316.063(1), F.S.
12 S. 316.027(2)(a), F.S.
13 S. 316.027(2)(b), F.S.
14 S. 316.027(2)(c), F.S.
15 Id.
16 S. 316.192(1)(a), F.S.
17 S. 316.193(2)(a), F.S.
18 S. 316.192(3)(c)1., F.S.
19 S. 316.192(3)(c)2., F.S.
20 S. 316.066, F.S.
21 S. 782.071, F.S. JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
5
vehicular homicide and, at the time of the accident the person knew or should have known that the accident
occurred and he or she failed to give information and render aid, a conviction is punishable as a first degree
felony.
23 A conviction for vehicular homicide requires the court to suspend a person’s driver license for a minimum
period of three years.
24
Boating Safety Requirements
Subject to specified exemptions,
25 a person born on or after January 1, 1988, is prohibited from operating a vessel
powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater unless he or she has in his or her possession aboard such vessel:
Photographic identification and a Florida boating safety identification card (safety card) issued by the Fish
and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC);
A state-issued identification card or driver license indicating possession of a safety card;
Photographic identification and a temporary certificate issued or approved by FWCC;
An International Certificate of Competency;
A boating safety card or certificate from another U.S. state or territory; or
A Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
26
A violation of the prohibition is a noncriminal infraction, punishable by a $100 fine.
27
Mandatory Education for Violators
A person convicted of certain boating violations, including a criminal violation, a noncriminal infraction that
resulted in a reportable boating accident, or two noncriminal infractions within a 12-month period, must complete,
at his or her own expense, a boating safety course approved by FWC. The person must file proof of completion of
the course with FWC within 90 days and refrain from operating a vessel until such proof is filed.
28
Regulation of Liveries
A “livery vessel” is a vessel that is leased, rented, or chartered to another for consideration.
29 A “livery” is a
business that leases or rents such a vessel.
30 A livery must obtain a permit from FWCC and comply with specified
conditions when leasing or renting vessels, including a provision prohibiting a livery from leasing or renting a
vessel to a person unless he or she possesses a valid boating safety card under s. 327.395(2), F.S., or is exempt from
such requirements.
31 A livery is also required to carry a minimum insurance policy which insures the livery against
damages resulting from the operation of a rented vessel, and must either carry a minimum insurance policy
insuring the renter or providing the renter with the opportunity to purchase such insurance coverage.
32
22 Id.
23 Id.
24 S. 322.28(4)(a), F.S.
25 A person is exempt from the requirement to have a boating safety card if he or she:
Is licensed by the United States Coast Guard to serve as the master of a vessel, or has previously been so licensed and provides
proof of licensure.
Operates a vessel only on a private lake or pond.
Is accompanied in the vessel by a person 18 years of age or older who has a safety card or is exempt from the requirement to have a
safety card and who is responsible for the safe operation of the vessel.
Is a nonresident who has photographic identification and proof that he or she has completed a boating safety course that meets
specified criteria.
Is operating a vessel within 90 days after the purchase of the vessel and has a valid bill of sale.
Is operating a vessel within 90 days of completing a boating safety education course and has photographic identification and a valid
boating safety certificate.
Is exempt by rule of the FWCC.
S. 327.395(6), F.S.
26 S. 327.395(1) and (2), F.S.
27 Ss. 327.395(7) and 327.73(1), F.S.
28 S. 327.731(1), F.S.
29 S. 327.02(24), F.S.
30 “Livery” means a person who advertises and offers a livery vessel for use by another in exchange for any type of consideration when such
person does not also provide the lessee or renter with a captain, a crew, or any type of staff or personnel to operate, oversee, maintain, or
manage the vessel. S. 327.54(1)(c), F.S.
31 S. 327.54(4), F.S.
32 S. 327.54(7), F.S. JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
6
Offense Severity Ranking Chart
Felony offenses subject to the Criminal Punishment Code (CPC) are listed in a single offense severity ranking chart
(OSRC), which uses 10 offense levels to rank felonies from least severe (Level 1) to most severe (Level 10). Each
felony offense is assigned to a level according to the severity of the offense, commensurate with the harm or
potential for harm to the community that is caused by the offense, as determined by statute. A person’s primary
offense, any other current offenses, and prior offenses are scored using the points designated for the offense
severity level of each offense. The final calculation, following the scoresheet formula, determines the lowest
permissible sentence that the trial court may impose, absent a valid reason for departure.
33 If an offense is
unranked, the CPC specifies a default level on the OSRC depending on the felony degree of the offense.
34
OTHER RESOURCES:
FWC finalizes investigation into fatal Cutter Bank boating accident; operator charged
Vessel homicide trial date set in crash that killed Lourdes student
BILL HISTORY
COMMITTEE REFERENCE ACTION DATE
STAFF
DIRECTOR/
POLICY CHIEF
ANALYSIS
PREPARED BY
Criminal Justice Subcommittee 18 Y, 0 N, As CS 3/6/2025 Hall Padgett
THE CHANGES ADOPTED BY THE
COMMITTEE:
Revised the enhanced penalties for leaving the scene of a boating
accident to align with the enhanced penalties for leaving the scene of a
vehicle crash.
Removed enhanced penalties for careless operation of a vessel.
Created enhanced penalties for reckless operation of a vessel that align
with the enhanced penalties for reckless driving.
Removed a provision requiring a driver license suspension if a person
is convicted of reckless operation of a vessel, careless operation of a
vessel, or boating under the influence.
Removed a provision authorizing a law enforcement officer to require a
blood test without probable cause in boating under the influence cases
involving death or serious bodily injury.
Revised boating safety education requirements to provide an exception
to the requirement to have a boating safety card if a person was born
before January 1, 1988 and has been a resident of Florida for five
consecutive years.
State Affairs Committee 25 Y, 0 N, As CS 3/13/2025 Williamson Moore
THE CHANGES ADOPTED BY THE
COMMITTEE:
Expanded the list of individuals who must complete a boating safety
course after committing a boating violation by requiring a person who
is convicted of one noncriminal boating infraction to complete the
course.
Judiciary Committee Kramer Padgett
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THIS BILL ANALYSIS HAS BEEN UPDATED TO INCORPORATE ALL OF THE CHANGES DESCRIBED ABOVE.
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33 S. 921.0022, F.S.
34 S. 921.0023, F.S.