FL S0718

Reduces registration fees for recreational vessels equipped with emergency position-indicating radio beacons or owned by individuals who own personal locator beacons across all seven vessel classes.

New reduced fee amounts range from $2.95 for Class A-1 vessels to $141.15 for Class 5 vessels, down from previous amounts of $4.24 to $167.11 respectively.

Owners with multiple recreational vessels who own a personal locator beacon may only claim the reduced fee for one vessel.

Removes the July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017 limitation on when reduced fees apply and eliminates the July 1, 2017 expiration date, making the fee reduction permanent.

Requires vessel owners to demonstrate beacon ownership or equipment at time of registration and authorizes the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to establish proof requirements.