Bill > S1312

This bill establishes "protection zones" for springs, which are areas designated to prevent harm to these natural water sources, including their water quality, quantity, hydrology, wetlands, and the species that depend on them. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), a state agency responsible for managing fish and wildlife, will create these zones and set specific rules for vessel speed and operation within them. The FWC must consult with relevant water management districts, local governments, and federal agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers when establishing these zones, especially if they involve federally regulated waters. Violating these protection zones will result in penalties, with escalating fines for repeat offenses, and third or subsequent violations becoming criminal misdemeanors. The FWC is responsible for marking these zones with regulatory signs, and exceptions to the restrictions are made for law enforcement, emergency personnel, and genuine emergencies. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to specify penalties for violations within these new protection zones and updates requirements for mandatory boating safety education for certain violators.