Florida Governor DeSantis: Stop Intrusive Boat Checks

MIAMI, Florida – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced initiatives at Miami’s International Boat Show aimed at protecting “boater freedom,” which includes efforts to stop what he describes as “intrusive” and “frivolous” searches of watercraft.

“This morning at Miami’s International Boat Show, I was pleased to announce the new Boater Freedom Initiative. This proposal is designed to protect Floridians’ rights to enjoy boating by preventing local governments from banning the sale or use of boats based on fuel sources,” DeSantis posted on X.

“It will also create safety-compliant decals for boats and require probable cause to pull over a boater (instead of “compliance stops”), striking the right balance between enforcing the law and reducing unnecessary disruptions for law-abiding boaters.”

Additionally, DeSantis intends to implement a marine fuel tax holiday from Memorial Day Weekend through July 4 to provide financial relief for boaters.