A new bill that passed in Florida’s House is set to help improve boating safety regulations across the state. “Lucy’s Law” is a bill introduced by Representatives Vicki Lopez and Vanessa Oliver that will add harsher consequences for operating boats under the influence or recklessly.
Passing on the House floor with 112 unanimous votes, HB289 would suspend people’s motor vehicle licenses if they are found guilty of operating a boat under the influence. It would also require the driver to take a blood test if death or serious injury occurs. It would also mandate boating education.
A similar bill filed by Sen. Jonathon Martin in the Senate, SB 628, also cracks down on the punishment for operating a boat recklessly but does not require the mandate of education or a blood test. SB 58 has been temporarily postponed.
Before “Lucy’s Law” was passed, only people born on or after January 1, 1988, were obliged to complete boater education in Florida. The new rule makes sure that everyone who uses Florida’s waterways has a fundamental knowledge of safe boating practices by extending this requirement to all boat operators.
The bill is named after Luciana “Lucy” Fernandez, who lost her life in a boating accident in 2022 after she and 13 others hit a channel marker near Boca Chita Key. She was only 17.
Melissa Fernandez and Andy Fernandez, Lucy’s parents, have advocated for safer boating laws through the Lucy Fernandez Foundation. Both parents were in Tallahassee when HB 289 was voted on.
“Lucy’s Law will bring meaningful, lasting change to the boating community, a community woven into the very identity of Florida, a way of life that Lucy herself cherished,” Melissa told the committee.
“We have an opportunity right now to make our waters safer, to prevent tragedies, to ensure that what happened to Lucy never happens to another child, another parent, another friend.”
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida has the most registered recreational boats, leading the country with one million vessels in 2022. With boating being an essential part of Florida life, Rep. Oliver said in a statement that the “privilege comes with a serious responsibility.”
“Too many lives are lost each year due to preventable boating accidents, and it’s time for action,” she said in the statement.
As a Florida native, Justin Jordan enjoys time on the water but understands the importance of staying safe.
“I am technically licensed to drive a boat,” the FAMU sophomore from St. Petersburg said. “I remember that there were so many rules and procedures I had to learn to make sure that I drove the boat safely. I think it’s extremely important to have boating regulations not only for the safety of marine life but things like the amount of wake and even keeping proper maintenance are critical in ensuring that oceans stay clean and people are protected.”
This bill will improve boating regulations and set a better standard for boating operations. Though the bill passed on the House floor, it has one more committee vote before it moves to the Senate, and possibly on to Gov. DeSantis’ desk to be signed into law.