DeSantis signs ‘Boater Freedom Act’ aimed at protecting Florida boaters. Here’s what it covers

PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed the Boater Freedom Act into law, legislation that aims to improve relations between boaters and law enforcement as well as boost marina programs throughout Florida.

DeSantis was joined at the event by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young for the signing at Watson Landings Marina in Panama City Beach.

The governor said the legislation will “make sure that Florida remains the boater capital of the world,” preventing local bans on vessels based on fuel types.

“We’re gonna make sure that boaters are able to choose the type of vessels that they want. We’re not gonna allow local government to step in and block the ability to purchase and for the businesses to sell vessels based on the source of fuel that those vessels are using,” he said.

DeSantis also said it will “right the wrong” of how people are approached on the water by law enforcement. He said current laws allows both state and local law enforcement to pull a boater over when no probable cause or suspected violation has happened.

“If you think about it, if you’re walking down the street, law enforcement can’t just go up to you and stop you and search you if there’s not a basis to do that. You gotta have probable cause to be able to do it,” he said. “Same thing if they want to go on your property or they usually would have to have an actual search warrant by a judge that would say probable cause is there.”

The legislation will also invest in additional boat ramps, parking and marina programs through Florida Fish and Wildlife.