{"id":6370,"date":"2023-12-13T14:15:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-13T14:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/18.211.219.184\/blog\/\/"},"modified":"2024-07-19T10:41:49","modified_gmt":"2024-07-19T10:41:49","slug":"a-traffic-lawyers-guide-to-law-enforcement-in-florida-waterways","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theticketclinic.com\/es\/blog\/a-traffic-lawyers-guide-to-law-enforcement-in-florida-waterways\/","title":{"rendered":"A Traffic Lawyer\u2019s Guide To Law Enforcement In Florida Waterways"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Florida is home to over 1 million registered vessels according to a 2022\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/myfwc.com\/news\/all-news\/million-boats\/#:~:text=FWC%20announces%20benchmark%20of%201%20million%20registered%20vessels%20in%20Florida,-Media%20contact%3A%20Shannon&amp;text=The%20Florida%20Fish%20and%20Wildlife,recreational%20vessels%20across%20the%20state.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FWC announcement.<\/a>\u00a0This means the Sunshine State is also home to some of the heaviest law enforcement on the water. In this post we\u2019ll go over some of the different law enforcement agencies you\u2019ll find at sea and some of the common strategies they use to attempt to make waterways safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What law enforcement agencies are on the water?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First and foremost, you\u2019ll find local police departments\/sheriffs out in their own marine units. For example, in Miami you\u2019ll see smaller local departments such as North Bay Village along with larger agencies like Miami PD. In addition, you\u2019ll find the US Coast Guard in their orange boats patrolling recreational waterways with Federal jurisdiction.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also in Florida, we also have the Fish and Wildlife Commission which also has a very strong presence on the water. While their main purpose is to enforce laws that protect wildlife and fish stocks, they are also known to enforce other laws such as wake zones and safety violations for the State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The FWC Division of Law Enforcement\u2019s 1,072 members, including 878 sworn personnel, operate in six regions throughout the state. FWC officers are responsible for uniformed patrol and investigative law enforcement services on more than 8,400 miles of coastline, 13,200 square miles of offshore waters, and more than 34 million acres of land encompassing a variety of habitats including private lands, wildlife management areas, state parks and forests.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, in Florida it\u2019s hard not to notice the presence of another agency, US Customs and Border Patrol. For the past 4 decades, Florida has been a major drug importation hotspot bringing the Feds and their really fast boats to our waters. They\u2019re mostly out looking for narcotics and human smuggling operations. It would be much more uncommon for every day boaters to have a run-in with this agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do traffic stops on the water differ from land?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1390\" src=\"http:\/\/18.211.219.184\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/amo_22_am22-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6373\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theticketclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/amo_22_am22-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.theticketclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/amo_22_am22-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.theticketclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/amo_22_am22-1024x556.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.theticketclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/amo_22_am22-768x417.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.theticketclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/amo_22_am22-1536x834.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.theticketclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/amo_22_am22-2048x1112.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.theticketclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/amo_22_am22-18x10.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The biggest difference between traffic stops on land and at sea is that law enforcement most of the time does not need probable cause to stop a boat. For the most part, law enforcement is allowed to stop a vessel for searches and safety checks anytime UNLESS there\u2019s a recent safety inspection decal displayed prominently on the boat. In these cases, a local agency must have probable cause to stop. However, the US Coast Guard does not need probable cause and can stop boats at their discretion regardless if the boat has an inspection decal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Long story short. It\u2019s way easier for law enforcement to legally stop a boat than a car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Registration and Safety Checks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just like on land, law enforcement on the water starts with registration and equipment requirements. While you do not need a special license to operate a boat, the vessel must comply with safety checks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, all motored water vessels must be registered through your local Tax Collector\u2019s Office. All vessels must be registered and numbered within 30 days of purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Registration requirements include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Displayed letters separated from numbers by a hyphen or space equal to the letters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Letters &amp; numbers must be displayed in bold block letters at least 3\u201d high in a color contrasting the hull<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certificate of Registration on board and available for inspection when vessel is operated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vessel registration decal must be renewed annually and displayed within 6\u201d of registration number on the port side<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The state of Florida requires safety equipment by law according to the size\/class of the vessel. Law Enforcement agencies on the water spend a lot of time stopping boats doing these types of checks. While doing these stops they may also be looking for evidence of drugs, alcohol or other illegal activities. Here are the links that list all of the required equipment by law:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/myfwc.com\/boating\/safety-education\/equipment\/vessels-under-16-feet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Minimum Required Safety Equipment for Class A Recreational Vessels: (less than 16 ft \/ less than 4.9m) or Canoes and Kayaks<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/myfwc.com\/boating\/safety-education\/equipment\/vessels-16-to-259-feet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Minimum Required Safety Equipment for Class 1 Recreational Vessels: 16 to less than 26 ft\/ 4.9 to less than 7.9m)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/myfwc.com\/boating\/safety-education\/equipment\/vessels-36-to-40-feet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Minimum Required Safety Equipment for Class 2 Recreational Vessels: 26 to less than 40 ft\/ 7.9 to less than 12.2m)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/myfwc.com\/boating\/safety-education\/equipment\/vessels-40-to-65-feet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Minimum Required Safety Equipment for Class 3 Recreational Vessels: 40 to less than 65 ft\/ 12.2 to less than 19.8m)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s required that all recreational vessels carry lifejackets, known as personal floatation devices (PFDs). All PFDs must be U.S. Coast Guard approved and in good, serviceable condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Details of the law include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>At least one properly-sized PFD per person on board boat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vessels 16 feet or longer must include one \u201cthrowable\u201d Type IV PFD<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Children under six years old must wear PFD at all times<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All Jet Ski Operators and riders must wear PFDs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to the standard safety equipment like flares and lights, the state also requires an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wfla.com\/news\/national\/new-coast-guard-regulation-takes-effect-requires-engine-kill-switch-in-boats-under-26-feet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">engine \u201ckill switch\u201d<\/a>\u00a0on vessels under 26 feet since 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A possible way to avoid getting stopped is to schedule an inspection with a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/wow.uscgaux.info\/content.php?unit=070-11-01&amp;category=vessel-safety-check\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Coast Guard Auxiliary<\/a>\u00a0that will come to your vessel to do an inspection. You can avoid any fines this way and get a decal which could prevent future stops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wake Zones\/Speeding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In essence, a no-wake zone on the water is comparable to a reduced speed limit on the road. These zones are crucial for maintaining safety during boating, preserving marine life, and reducing the risk of boat damage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A \u2018no wake\u2019 indication requires you to reduce your speed to an idle level \u2013 that is, no faster than necessary to keep your boat on course without producing a wake. Certain areas may also have signs indicating a slow speed or minimal wake. In these zones, your boat should be off plane and settled in the water, generating only a negligible wake. Speed limit signs are self-explanatory.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typically, these zones are intended to prevent constant waves from eroding the banks and to protect docked boats from excessive rocking and potential damage from hitting the docks. Reduced speeds may ensure safer navigation in specified waterways.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moreover, absolute no-go areas exist. These are often areas frequented by manatees for feeding and mating, or areas allocated for human swimmers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dinghy parking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another common law enforcement activity on the water? Parking enforcement. Thousands of people live on vessels anchored in the bays and inland waterways of Florida and occasionally those people need to come to shore. Often they\u2019ll use a smaller boat or dinghy to come to land and many tie them off on bridges or other structures not meant for parking. As we come to understand it, maritime officers will typically issue a warning sticker on the dinghy and will issue a fine if they see another violation in the next 30 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vessels at Risk\/Derelict Vessels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Marine units have begun to focus more on identifying and issuing citations to \u201cat risk vessels\u201d in recent years as more and more people have started to populate inland waterways. The following comes straight from FWC without any edits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vessels at risk of becoming derelict are a concern because they can pose threats to public safety, cause property damage, endanger marine life, and block navigable waterways. A vessel is at risk of becoming derelict if any of the following conditions exist:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The vessel is taking on or has taken on water without an effective means to dewater.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spaces on the vessel that are designed to be enclosed are incapable of being sealed off or remain open to the elements for extended periods of time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The vessel has broken loose or is in danger of breaking loose from its anchor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The vessel is listing due to water intrusion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The vessel does not have an effective means of propulsion for safe navigation within 72 hours after the vessel owner or operator receives telephonic or written notice, which may be provided by facsimile, electronic mail, or other electronic means, stating such from an officer, and the vessel owner or operator is unable to provide a receipt, proof of purchase, or other documentation of having ordered necessary parts for vessel repair.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The vessel is tied to an unlawful or unpermitted structure or mooring.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NOTE: This section does not apply to a vessel that is moored to a private dock or wet slip with the consent of the owner for the purpose of receiving repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Law enforcement officers work to encourage at-risk vessel owners to bring their vessel into compliance before it becomes derelict through periodic inspections and at-risk citations and warnings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Derelict Vessels Become A Bigger Problem<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After a storm, it\u2019s not uncommon to see sunken, unattended vessels all over Florida. These boats often become navigation and environmental hazards. They\u2019re costly to remove and difficult to find the owners that are responsible. This is why the state has begun a more proactive approach with \u201cat risk\u201d vessels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A derelict vessel is defined as one that is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wrecked, junked, or in substantially dismantled condition upon any waters of this state.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A \u201cwrecked\u201d vessel is one that is sunken or sinking; aground without the ability to extricate itself absent mechanical assistance; or remaining after a marine casualty, including, but not limited to, a boating accident, extreme weather, or a fire.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A \u201cjunked\u201d vessel is one that has been substantially stripped of vessel components, if vessel components have substantially degraded or been destroyed, or if the vessel has been discarded by the owner or operator.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A vessel is \u201csubstantially dismantled\u201d if at least two of the three following vessel systems or components are missing, compromised, incomplete, inoperable, or broken:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The steering system;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The propulsion system; or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The exterior hull integrity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NOTE: Attaching an outboard motor to a vessel that is junked or substantially dismantled will not cause the vessel to no longer be junked or substantially dismantled if such motor is not an effective means of propulsion as required by\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/Statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;Search_String=&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0327\/Sections\/0327.4107.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">327.4107(2)(e), F.S.<\/a>\u00a0and associated rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Located at any port in Florida without the consent of the agency having jurisdiction thereof.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Docked or grounded at or beached upon the property of another without the consent of the property owner.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learn more about\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/myfwc.com\/boating\/waterway\/derelict-vessels\/permit-info\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">derelict vessel removal<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See this\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/experience.arcgis.com\/experience\/decfb6b7ca024ac98f6f900d86784d09?views=View-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">interactive map showing derelict vessels<\/a>\u00a0throughout Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Florida Fish &amp; Wildlife Enforcement Has Different Priorities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are out fishing or lobstering you could have an encounter with FWC whose job it is to look after all of the state\u2019s wildlife and fish stocks.&nbsp;Observedly, these laws are in place to safeguard the state\u2019s fish population and to provide a safe and pleasant fishing experience for everyone. Fishing without a license is a punishable act with substantial fines.&nbsp;In addition to enforcing marine laws, they are also out looking for the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fishing Licenses\/Permits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re planning on fishing in Florida, a fishing license is required. Such licenses can be procured from various sources such as the<a href=\"https:\/\/myfwc.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a0Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)<\/a>\u00a0website, county tax collector\u2019s offices, and tackle shops that offer them. It\u2019s important to note that both paid and free licenses from the FWC website carry convenience fees. Most chartered boats possess a license covering their guests, but individual anglers on private vessels need their own fishing permits, unless they qualify for an exemption. If you\u2019re fishing in some marine parks, a separate permit might be necessary. Always carry a hard copy, card, or a digital copy of your license on your FWC phone app to show on demand by wildlife officers. Additionally, if you\u2019re fishing in areas with no cell service, it\u2019s always a good idea to have a hard copy on hand. Exemptions require government-issued ID for verification of age and residency.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s crucial to note that Florida residents require a freshwater or saltwater fishing license, unless they are under the age of 16 or over the age of 64. Non-resident visitors, on the other hand, need to acquire a non-resident fishing license. Anglers targeting reef or bottom fish are obligated to secure a free State Reef Fish Angler Designation. If you are fishing from a shore, beach, bridge, dock, pier or any land-connected structures, there\u2019s a free shoreline fishing license that you must obtain unless you already hold a saltwater license. The<a href=\"https:\/\/myfwc.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a0FWC<\/a>\u00a0website lists exemptions for persons with disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Size &amp; Bag Limits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Florida\u2019s diverse fishing waters are home to a wide variety of fish species including popular ones such as snook, redfish, trout, tarpon, Mahi, tuna, and kingfish. However, it\u2019s crucial to note that each fish has specific size and bag limits. Additional permits or \u201cstamps\u201d, which can be purchased at the time of buying your license, are required for certain species like snook, tarpon, spiny lobster, and for targeting sharks from the shore. Except for minors under 16 or seniors 65 and older, everyone else must have these permits. A free permit is available for shark fishing from the shore. Detailed information regarding fish size and bag limits, as well as guidelines on acceptable fishing seasons, can be accessed on the<a href=\"https:\/\/myfwc.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a0Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission<\/a>\u00a0website. Special rules apply in certain regions, like the Florida Gulf Coast regions, enforcing the release of fish that are otherwise retainable elsewhere. Moreover, the Descend Act mandates anglers fishing for reef fish in Gulf of Mexico Federal waters to have a rigged and ready venting tool or descending device.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to freshwater game fish, strict regulations are in place. Anglers are restricted to a bag limit of two days\u2019 worth of freshwater game fish, particularly when going out of state. Regional-specific bag limits might also exist. Moreover, it\u2019s essential for anglers to remember that both freshwater and saltwater game fish cannot be gutted or deboned until the day\u2019s catch limit is attained. This rule implies that fish cannot be filleted or have their head or tail fin removed until the day\u2019s limit is reached. Similarly, saltwater fish should not be filleted until returning to land, even if multiple days are spent fishing without returning to shore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Underage Anglers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You must adhere to Florida\u2019s stringent boating laws to protect its diverse aquatic life and deliver an enjoyable experience for all. Particularly, if you were born after January 1, 1988, and choose to embark on<a href=\"https:\/\/bassproshops.vzck.net\/jWD5JM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a0boat fishing<\/a>\u00a0in Florida\u2019s waters, it is mandatory to have a boater safety ID card. Acquiring such an ID card is hassle-free. You can either visit the official website of the<a href=\"https:\/\/myfwc.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a0Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission<\/a>\u00a0or stop by any county tax collector\u2019s office.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Crackdown on Illegal Charters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2022, the state passed and made&nbsp;CS\/SB 606 a law to crack down on dangerous and illegal \u201clivery\u201d charter operations. Starting Jan 1 2023, agencies began actively enforcing it. This is in addition to other established regulations already on the books for dive and fishing charter operations. The author can personally confirm this as he experienced a US Coast Guard boarding on a charter in March 2023. Luckily, everything was legit and they quickly left after checking some paperwork. If you are chartering a boat, make sure it\u2019s with a reputable company.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Boating Under the Influence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s common knowledge that the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for road users is .08, but you might be surprised to learn that this limit applies equally to boaters. That means if the operator of a boat has a BAC of .08 or higher, they\u2019re considered to be boating under the influence, or BUI.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Florida, the BUI laws operate under the presumption that a blood- or breath-alcohol level of 0.08% or above indicates influence. Notably, these laws get even stricter for boaters under the age of 21\u2014any BAC of .02 or higher can land them in hot water thanks to the state\u2019s \u201czero-tolerance policy\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In plain English, while it\u2019s not against the law to enjoy a drink before getting behind the wheel of a boat, operating that boat while under the influence is. This is clearly laid out in Florida Statute Section 327.35(1), which states that a BUI arrest can be made if your BAC is .08% or higher, or if an officer believes your abilities are impaired due to intoxication or drug use.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s also worth noting that the Coast Guard upholds a federal law against BUI. This law went into effect on January 13, 1988, making BUI a specific federal offence. This means that BUI arrests taking place off the coast of Florida fall under federal jurisdiction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, BUI incidents occurring closer to the shore, or on Florida\u2019s lakes and rivers, are usually dealt with by local law enforcement and are prosecuted in state courts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regardless of whether they\u2019re handled under state or federal law, individuals charged with BUI in Florida face harsh penalties that can include jail time, significant fines, the impounding and potential forfeiture of their boat, and mandatory community service.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep in mind, both Florida and federal BUI laws apply to all types of watercraft. From canoes, rowboats, and yachts, to large ships and even airboats, the term \u201cvessel\u201d is broadly defined. Specifically, it includes any means of transport on water\u2014bar seaplanes on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Potential Violations of Boating Laws and Regulations<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Violators of boating laws and regulations may be subject to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fines ranging from $50 to $1,000 (depending on first, second and third offenses plus severity of the offense)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arrests for serious violations along with heavier fines and prison time for convictions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Florida also requires mandatory education for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Two non-criminal boating safety infractions within a 12-month period<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Non-criminal boating infraction resulting in an accident<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Do if You\u2019re Cited with a Boating Violation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just like tickets on land, if you\u2019re cited for a boating violation that results in a fine, you have 30 days from the date of the citation to pay it. You can mail the payment without appearing in court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you plan to contest the charge, you must appear in court at the time and place recorded on your ticket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, if you wish to contest the ticket, be aware that you could be assessed a fine of up to $500 if you lose your case. It could be worth fighting more serious charges like BUI depending on the details of the case. Call us for a free consultation.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Florida is home to over 1 million registered vessels according to a 2022\u00a0FWC announcement.\u00a0This means the Sunshine State is also home to some of the heaviest law enforcement on the water. In this post we\u2019ll go over some of the different law enforcement agencies you\u2019ll find at sea and some of the common strategies they [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6377,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[166,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6370","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-florida-motorist-resources","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.6 (Yoast SEO v27.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A Traffic Lawyer\u2019s Guide To Law Enforcement In Florida Waterways | Traffic Lawyer Blog | The Ticket Clinic<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Check here for the latest news for motorists including traffic law updates and more. The traffic lawyer blog offers insights into our world.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theticketclinic.com\/es\/blog\/a-traffic-lawyers-guide-to-law-enforcement-in-florida-waterways\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_ES\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"A Traffic Lawyer\u2019s Guide To Law Enforcement In Florida Waterways\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Check here for the latest news for motorists including traffic law updates and more. 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