What is the law 316. Florida?
Wireless communications devices; prohibition. This section may be cited as the “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law. It is the intent of the Legislature to: (a) Improve roadway safety for all vehicle operators, vehicle passengers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other road users. Florida’s hands-free law just got stricter. While it was already illegal to text and drive, the updated statute now prohibits holding a cell phone for any reason while driving, not just in school or construction zones. That means: no phone calls while holding the phone while driving.
What is the new law in Florida for boaters?
A sweeping new law set to take effect on July 1, 2025, marks a major shift in how law enforcement interacts with Florida boaters. Known as the “Boater Freedom Act,” the law prohibits law enforcement officers from stopping or boarding vessels without probable cause or a suspected violation. What would ‘Lucy’s Law’ do? House Bill 289 increases penalties for reckless boating and leaving the scene of a crash. Any person convicted of boating under the influence faces a minimum sentence of four years in prison if they leave the scene or don’t contact law enforcement.LUCY’S LAW STRENGTHENS BOATING SAFETY IN FLORIDA BY EXPANDING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS, INCREASING PENALTIES FOR RECKLESS AND CARELESS BEHAVIOR, AND PROMOTING ACCOUNTABILITY ON THE WATER TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS AND SAVE LIVES.
What are the laws for PWC in Florida?
A person must be at least 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft in Florida. A person must be at least 18 years of age to rent a personal watercraft in Florida. It is unlawful for a person to knowingly allow a person under 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft (a second-degree misdemeanor). Personal Flotation Devices One US Coast Guard-approved wearable device is required for each person on board. PFDs MUST be properly worn by all occupants, including those being towed. Inflatable PFDs are not approved for use on personal watercraft.Age and Operator Restrictions No one under the age of 14 years may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) on Florida waters at any time, even if such person possesses a Boating Safety Education I. D. Card. No one under the age of 18 years may rent/lease a PWC.Each person operating, riding on, or being towed behind a personal watercraft must wear an approved non-inflatable wearable personal flotation device (PFD). Inflatable PFDs are prohibited for personal watercraft use.Safety measures required for PWCs in Florida Anyone who operates, rides on, or participates in water skiing or towing activities using a PWC is required to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD).
What are PWC operation restrictions in Florida?
Safe operation Personal watercraft may not be operated from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, even if the PWCE is equipped with navigation lights. A person may not operate a personal watercraft at any time between the hours from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.While the minimum age to operate a jet ski is 14, individuals between 14 and 18 years old must meet specific requirements, including completing a boating safety course, having a valid photo ID, and being accompanied by an adult (18 years or older) who meets the boating safety education requirements.Age and Operator Restrictions No one under the age of 14 years may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) on Florida waters at any time, even if such person possesses a Boating Safety Education I. D. Card.PWC operation regulations It is against Florida’s boating laws to operate a PWC during the hours of darkness (from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise). This restriction applies even if navigation lights are used.
What are the PWC registration requirements in Florida?
All vessels with motors, including personal watercrafts (PWC), operating on Florida waters must be registered and titled. As with other vessels, PWCs must also display Florida registration numbers, hull identification numbers (HIN) and valid decal (see image below). While Florida does not have a boating license, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 is required to either have successfully completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating education course or have passed an equivalent course or temporary certificate examination.