What the new Boater Freedom Act does

-



What the law changes

  • Stops and boardings: Law enforcement may no longer stop or board a vessel without probable cause or reasonable suspicion of a violation — removing routine, suspicionless safety boardings. Florida Governor's OfficeWJXT

  • Protection for gas-powered boats: Local governments are restricted from banning or broadly restricting the sale/use of gas-powered vessels; the law preempts some local rules to keep statewide consistency. Florida Governor's OfficeCarlson Meissner

  • Anchoring and springs protections: The law adjusts agency authority and permitting around anchoring and spring protection zones (including new permitting/anchoring rules that will affect long-term anchoring). https://www.boatus.comgreatloop.org

Why supporters like it

  • Advocates argue it restores Fourth Amendment–type protections on the water, reduces intrusive stops, and provides consistency for boaters and small marine businesses. Florida Governor's OfficeCarlson Meissner

Concerns from critics

  • Conservationists, some wildlife officials, and environmental reporters warn the change could hamstring wildlife enforcement and conservation efforts, make it harder to detect poaching or environmental violations, and complicate protection of fragile ecosystems. Tampa Bay TimesWJXT

Practical takeaways for boaters

  • Know your rights: Officers should now have a legal basis (probable cause/suspicion) before boarding. If stopped, calmly ask the reason for the stop. WJXT

  • Regulation shifts are coming: Expect new or updated anchoring/permit rules and state-level uniformity around gas-powered boats — check FWC guidance and local notices before long-term anchoring or making equipment/operation changes. https://www.boatus.comFWC

  • Stay informed: Because the law changes enforcement practice, there will be a transition period as agencies adjust procedures; both legal and environmental communities are watching closely. Tampa Bay TimesFlorida Governor's Office

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

2024 Members of the Year

-
Image
Farida and Caroline were honored as Members of the Year by Pompano Beach Power Squadron for their outstanding volunteer work and contributions. Always ready to lend a hand wherever needed, their willingness to help wherever necessary have made a significant impact, earning them this well-deserved recognition.
Read more

HONOR FLIGHT SOUTH FLORIDA

-
Image
HONOR FLIGHT SOUTH FLORIDA P/R/C Pete TenBrink, SN-ON   As many of you may know, I had the privilege of participating in an Honor Flight last June.  The entire day was wonderful.  Honor Flight South Florida flew us up to DC where we visited multiple Memorials (the Viet Nam Wall, the Korean War Memorial, the WWII Memorial, the Women's Military Memorial, etc.  However, our arrival back to FLL was the part of the day that left the deepest impression on me.  When our troops came home during the '60s and '70s, many were not warmly welcomed due to the unpopular Viet Nam War.  In fact, they were often vilified!  However, when we came back from the Honor Flight, we had a huge contingent of folks to greet us. On May 20th, Honor Flight South Florida will be conducting Mission XXXIV!  It would be wonderful if we could have a bunch of Pompano Beach Power Squadron members there to help greet the veterans.  The flight usually arrives ...
Read more

One Page, All the Forecasts: The Ultimate Marine Weather Hub for Boaters

-
Image
Check out this incredible weather website I came across – it's a treasure trove of data pulled from multiple reliable sources, all neatly compiled on a single page. It offers real-time feeds and direct links to essential resources like: Windfinder Windy Ocean Tides NWS Marine Forecast Inlet Cams National Data Buoy Center It's an invaluable tool that could be a game-changer for boaters, providing them with up-to-the-minute weather and marine information all in one place! https://inletreports.com/florida-east-coast/hillsboro-inlet/ -- LT/C Dave Evanosky Administrative Officer Pompano Beach US Power Squadron 3701 NE 18 Terrace Pompano Beach,Fl 33062
Read more