Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis yesterday signed the Boater Freedom Act (Senate Bill 1388) into law, legislation designed to safeguard access and reduce regulatory burdens. The law prohibits local governments from banning gas-powered boats and repeals the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s authority to conduct random vessel-safety inspections without probable cause, a statement said.
The law directs the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to launch a five-year vessel safety decal program tied to registration, streamlining enforcement while minimizing disruptions for compliant boaters, according to the statement.
“Florida is the boating and fishing capital of the world, and the Boater Freedom Act will ensure that this remains the case,” DeSantis said in the statement.
In addition to SB 1388, DeSantis signed House Bill 735, which allocates new funding for public boat ramps, marina infrastructure and parking improvements. The investment aims to expand access to Florida’s waterways and support the state’s robust boating and fishing economy.
