Florida enacts ‘Boater Freedom Act’ to block random inspections

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Senate Bill 1388, also known as the Boater Freedom Act, into law.

The legislation introduces changes to vessel inspection procedures, local regulatory authority over vessel types and safety compliance programmes for boaters in the state.

The bill limits law enforcement’s ability to conduct ‘random safety inspections’ without probable cause. In addition, the bill instructs the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to establish a five-year vessel safety inspection programme.

As part of this programme, the FWC is directed to issue a “Florida Freedom Boater” decal at the time of vessel registration. The decal will indicate that a boater has met required safety standards, a move DeSantis says is aimed at streamlining enforcement procedures and reducing unnecessary inspections.

Notably, the Boater Freedom Act also prohibits local authorities from banning the use of gas-powered vessels, a move DeSantis says “ensures that boaters who prefer gas vehicles will not be limited by activist local entities.”

The new law does not alter existing statewide regulations concerning wake zones, manatee protection areas and seagrass preservation.

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“Florida is the boating and fishing capital of the world – and the Boater Freedom Act will ensure that this remains the case,” says DeSantis.

The legislation forms part of a broader initiative first proposed by the governor in February 2025 to reduce regulatory obstacles for recreational boaters.

Governor DeSantis has also signed House Bill 735. This measure provides additional funding to expand public access to Florida waterways. It allocates financial resources for the development of boat ramps, marina facilities and associated parking infrastructure – programmes that will be administered by the FWC.