Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a pair of policy initiatives on Wednesday, including a ‘Boating Freedom Initiative’ and a marine fuel tax holiday designed to provide financial relief for boaters.
The Boating Freedom Initiative seeks to preempt local regulations that restrict the use of gas-powered boats in Florida waters. The Governor stated that the proposal would ensure that boaters can continue using gas-powered vessels without interference from local ordinances limiting fuel types.
“You don’t need to be driving an electric boat if you don’t want to,” said DeSantis. “You have the ability to do gas. And we want to be able to preserve your freedom to be able to do that.”
The initiative additionally aims to address the practice of law enforcement conducting vessel inspections without probable cause. Under current law, officers can stop boats for safety inspections without evidence of wrongdoing. DeSantis proposed prohibiting such inspections unless there is probable cause, noting that the initiative would help reduce unnecessary property searches and improve the relationship between law enforcement and the boating community.
A new Florida Freedom Boater Decal would be issued to vessels at registration, confirming compliance with safety requirements and potentially decreasing the need for random stops.
“People who are just out enjoying themselves when there’s no indication that anything is wrong, they should not be subjected to these intensive searches,” the governor said. “This is a fair and balanced approach. If somebody’s breaking the law, they will be held accountable. But if you’re pulled over while you’re in a boat, it just has to be a reason. You can’t just do it for for kicks. There’s got to be a reason.”
Alongside the Boating Freedom Initiative, DeSantis proposed a marine fuel tax holiday for recreational boaters and anglers. The holiday would exempt fuel used in recreational vessels from state fuel taxes during the summer months, from Memorial Day through July 4.
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