Understanding Florida Boating Laws and Liability After an Accident
Understanding Florida Boating Laws and Liability After an Accident
Knowing Florida’s boating laws isn’t just for captains — it’s essential for anyone on the water. If you’re involved in a boating accident, understanding these rules can protect your rights and guide your next steps.
Knowing Florida’s boating laws isn’t just for captains — it’s essential for anyone on the water. If you’re involved in a boating accident, understanding these rules can protect your rights and guide your next steps.
Boating in South Florida offers endless opportunities for fun — but accidents can happen in a moment. When they do, knowing the laws that apply can help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your rights.
Florida Boating Laws Every Operator Should Know
1. Mandatory Safety Equipment
Florida law requires life jackets for all passengers, a fire extinguisher, visual distress signals, and other safety gear depending on boat size.
2. Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
Operating a boat with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher is illegal and carries serious penalties — just like driving under the influence.
3. Speed and Wake Rules
In slow-speed and manatee zones, exceeding the posted limit can result in fines and increased liability in an accident.
4. Accident Reporting
If an accident results in death, disappearance, injury requiring medical treatment, or property damage over $2,000, you must report it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Liability After a Boating Accident
Negligence
If the accident was caused by careless operation, distracted boating, or ignoring posted regulations, the operator may be held liable.
Equipment Failure
In some cases, the manufacturer of defective boating equipment could share liability.
Shared Fault
Florida follows a “comparative negligence” rule, meaning multiple parties can share responsibility for the accident.
How CEDA Can Help
After a boating accident, your first step should be getting the medical care you need. CEDA provides same-day treatment for accident-related injuries and can connect you with an attorney who understands Florida maritime law.
Boating in South Florida offers endless opportunities for fun — but accidents can happen in a moment. When they do, knowing the laws that apply can help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your rights.
Florida Boating Laws Every Operator Should Know
1. Mandatory Safety Equipment
Florida law requires life jackets for all passengers, a fire extinguisher, visual distress signals, and other safety gear depending on boat size.
2. Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
Operating a boat with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher is illegal and carries serious penalties — just like driving under the influence.
3. Speed and Wake Rules
In slow-speed and manatee zones, exceeding the posted limit can result in fines and increased liability in an accident.
4. Accident Reporting
If an accident results in death, disappearance, injury requiring medical treatment, or property damage over $2,000, you must report it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Liability After a Boating Accident
Negligence
If the accident was caused by careless operation, distracted boating, or ignoring posted regulations, the operator may be held liable.
Equipment Failure
In some cases, the manufacturer of defective boating equipment could share liability.
Shared Fault
Florida follows a “comparative negligence” rule, meaning multiple parties can share responsibility for the accident.
How CEDA Can Help
After a boating accident, your first step should be getting the medical care you need. CEDA provides same-day treatment for accident-related injuries and can connect you with an attorney who understands Florida maritime law.
Learn More
Injured and not sure what to do next?
We’ll guide you through everything you need to know.
Injured and not sure what to do next? We’ll guide you through everything you need to know.
Understanding Florida’s Boating Laws and Your Rights After an Accident
Steps to Take Immediately After a Boating Accident in Florida
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in South Florida and How to Avoid Them
Understanding Florida Boating Laws and Liability After an Accident
Steps to Take Immediately After a Boating Accident in South Florida
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in South Florida and How to Avoid Them