Florida Governor DeSantis Signs Law Requiring Probable Cause For Boat Searches

Panama City, FL –  Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Boater Freedom Act into law during a ceremony in Panama City on Monday.

The Boater Freedom Act, outlined in Senate Bill 1388, prohibits law enforcement from stopping or boarding vessels without probable cause.

It also establishes the “Florida Freedom Boater” safety inspection decal program, coordinated by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, to promote safety compliance.

Additionally, the law supports funding for boat ramps and marina programs to improve public access to Florida’s waterways.

“Florida is the boating and fishing capital of the world—and we will ensure that this remains the case,” DeSantis posted on X.