Lucy’s Law now in effect; stiffens penalties for careless boaters

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Summary of "Lucy's Law now in effect; stiffens penalties for careless boaters"

  • Implementation Date & Namesake
    "Lucy's Law" went into effect on July 1, 2025, after being signed by Governor DeSantis on June 27. It honors 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez, who tragically died in a 2022 boating accident near Boca Chita Key in the Florida Keys.https://www.mysuncoast.com+1

  • Aligned Penalties with Driving Offenses
    The law brings boating infractions in line with comparable vehicular offenses. This includes leaving the scene, reckless operation, Boating Under the Influence (BUI) manslaughter, and vessel homicide. A conviction for BUI manslaughter now carries a mandatory minimum of four years in prison.https://www.mysuncoast.com+1

  • Tightened Reporting Requirements
    It is now illegal to knowingly provide false information in reports following a vessel accident.https://www.mysuncoast.com+1

  • Expanded Boater Education Requirements
    Anyone operating a vessel with a motor at or above 10 horsepower must hold a valid boater safety card (or equivalent). Alternatively, those born before January 1, 1988 must have been Florida residents for at least five consecutive years.https://www.mysuncoast.com+1

  • Mandatory Safety Course After Noncriminal Infraction
    Individuals convicted of even a single noncriminal boating infraction are now required to complete a boating safety course.https://www.mysuncoast.com

  • Exemptions for Certain Vessel Rentals
    The law specifies that some leases or rentals of vessels are excluded from livery requirements, offering an exemption for specific rental arrangements

Why It Matters

"Lucy's Law" significantly strengthens Florida's approach to boating safety—especially around reckless or negligent behavior—by aligning penalties with their land-based equivalents, reinforcing accountability, and emphasizing education. It broadens legal and educational obligations for boat operators, aiming to deter dangerous conduct and prevent future tragedies on the water.


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