FL H1049

Defines "divers-down buoy" as a buoyant device displaying a divers-down symbol of at least 12 inches by 12 inches on three or four flat sides, and defines "divers-down symbol" as a red rectangular or square symbol with a white diagonal stripe.

Requires all divers to prominently display a divers-down flag or buoy in the diving area, except when diving in areas customarily used for swimming only, and prohibits divers-down buoys from being used or displayed onboard vessels.

Specifies that vessel operators must maintain at least 100 feet distance from divers-down flags or buoys on rivers, inlets, and navigation channels, and at least 300 feet distance on other waters, proceeding only at necessary headway and steerageway speeds.

Requires that divers-down flags or buoys be lowered once all divers are aboard or ashore, and prohibits vessel operators from operating any vessel displaying a divers-down flag unless one or more divers are in the water.

Mandates that boater education and safety courses include instruction on diving vessels, diver awareness, divers-down flags and buoys, and Section 327.331 requirements; violations are noncriminal infractions, effective July 1, 2014.