It's the Law: On the Water with Your Vessel

In addition to the laws mentioned previously, here are some other Florida regulations that apply when vessel operators are on Florida’s waters.

Unlawful Operation

Florida law states that it is unlawful to operate a vessel in a reckless or dangerous manner. Specifically, the law designates these operating practices as illegal:

• Reckless or Careless Operation of a vessel or manipulation of water-skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices is the failure to exercise the care necessary to prevent the endangerment of life, limb, or property of anyone. Examples are:
  • Boating in restricted areas without regard for other boaters or persons, posted speeds and wake restrictions, diver-down flags, etc.
  • Allowing passengers to ride on the bow, gunwale, transom, seat backs, seats on raised decks, or any other place with high likelihood of falling overboard.
• Exceeding Maximum Loading or Horsepower is the failure of a vessel operator to ensure that their vessel is safely loaded and not overpowered. Florida law prohibits a person from operating a monohull vessel of less than 20 feet in length while exceeding the maximum weight, persons, or horsepower capacity as displayed on the capacity plate installed by the vessel manufacturer.
• Improper Speed is operating at speeds greater than posted speeds or at a speed that is not reasonable and prudent based on boating traffic, weather conditions, visibility, or other potential hazards. If no limits are posted, you should operate a vessel so that it does not endanger others. Vessel speed should always be maintained so that the vessel can be stopped safely. Specifically, it is illegal to:
  • Operate at a rate of speed that endangers the life or property of any person
  • Operate at greater than idle speed—no wake in a posted no wake zone