Bill > S0628

This bill, titled "Lucy's Law," is a comprehensive boating safety legislation that makes several significant changes to Florida's existing boating regulations. The bill revises definitions and penalties related to vessel operation, specifically expanding and clarifying consequences for accidents, reckless operation, and leaving the scene of an incident. Key provisions include creating a new penalty system that grades vessel-related offenses based on severity (ranging from misdemeanors to felonies of different degrees), depending on whether the incident results in property damage, injury, serious bodily harm, or death. The bill requires driver's license suspension for individuals convicted of boating under the influence or reckless vessel operation, and mandates that individuals convicted of certain boating violations complete a boater safety education course. Additionally, the bill modifies definitions of terms like "livery vessel" and "vessel homicide," and introduces a new definition for "unborn child" to expand legal protections. The legislation aims to enhance boating safety, introduce more stringent penalties for dangerous maritime behavior, and ensure that boat operators are properly educated and held accountable for their actions on the water. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

Criminal Justice (Senate), Transportation (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/628