Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements
of Boating
Enforcement and Penalties
The boating laws and regulations of Florida are enforced
by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(FWC) and its officers, county sheriffs and their deputies,
and any other authorized law enforcement officer.
Boaters must stop when requested to do so by a law enforcement
officer. These officers have the right to stop your vessel
lawfully at any time to check for compliance with federal
and state laws. They also have the right to order the removal
of vessels deemed to be a hazard to public safety.
Violators can expect enforcement action.
- Persons who violate boating laws and regulations
may be subject to fines or, for more serious
violations, subject to arrest.
- Upon conviction for serious offenses (like misdemeanors
or felonies), violators may be sentenced
to heavy fines and/or jail time.
Florida law also requires mandatory education for violators.
- Persons who are convicted of a criminal boating
violation, two non-criminal boating safety infractions
within a 12-month period, or a non-criminal boating
infraction that resulted in an accident are required
to attend and successfully complete an approved boating
safety course before operating a vessel in Florida
again. This law requires attendance
in a classroom course.
- Call 1-800-336-BOAT or visit the Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website
to find a course that meets these requirements.
The boating laws and regulations of Florida are enforced
by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
and its officers, county sheriffs and their deputies, municipal
police officers, and any other authorized law enforcement
officer. These officers have the right to stop your vessel
lawfully to check for compliance with federal and state laws.
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