FL S0512

Elevates violation of navigation rules resulting in serious bodily injury or death to a second-degree misdemeanor, while violations not constituting reckless operation become noncriminal violations.

Creates tiered penalty structure for navigation rule violations: up to $250 for first offense, $750 for second offense, and $1,000 for third or subsequent offense.

Adds new exemption from boater safety identification card requirement for persons operating vessels within 90 days of completing boater education course with photographic identification and course certificate available for inspection.

Requires liveries to verify photographic identification and valid boater safety identification card (or proof of course completion) before leasing, hiring, or renting motor vessels of 10 horsepower or greater.

Takes effect October 1, 2011.