FL H0703

Vessel overloading or excessive speed now constitutes careless operation of a vessel under Florida law, making violations noncriminal infractions.

Law enforcement must issue safety inspection decals to vessels that pass safety equipment inspections, with decals displayed within 6 inches of the registration decal or on the forward port side for nonmotorized vessels.

Officers cannot stop a vessel solely to inspect safety equipment compliance if a valid safety inspection decal is properly displayed, unless there is reasonable suspicion of a safety violation.

Law enforcement retains authority to stop vessels for any other lawful purpose regardless of decal status.

Effective date: July 1, 2016.