MIAMI, FL - On February 12 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the Boater Freedom Initiative, a legislative proposal that protects Floridians’ right to boat by preventing local bans on vessels based on fuel type, repealing the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)’s authority to conduct random vessel safety inspections without probable cause, and directing FWC to create a five-year safety inspection decal program linked to vessel registration.

“Florida is proud to be the fishing and boating capital of the world,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The Boater Freedom Initiative ensures we follow suit as the Free State of Florida on our waters with protections for boaters from unwarranted searches or heavy-handed local governments.”

As part of the new Boater Freedom Initiative, Governor DeSantis announced that the proposal would prevent local governments from banning the sale or use of boats based on fuel sources. This provision ensures that boaters who prefer gas vehicles won't be limited by activist local entities. Of course, regulations will remain in place for wake speeds, manatee zones, and seagrass habitats.

Governor DeSantis also announced that the initiative will prohibit boat inspections without probable cause, which were previously conducted as safety compliance checks. To this end, the bill will direct FWC to work with tax collectors to proactively provide a “Florida Freedom Boater” decal at registration. This decal will indicate to law enforcement that the boater has taken the necessary steps to maintain proper safety requirements.
This strikes an appropriate balance between ensuring compliance with boating laws and reducing unnecessary disruptions for law-abiding boaters, making enforcement more practical and effective. 

Finally, the bill will invest in additional boat ramps, parking, and marina programs through FWC, ensuring public access to Florida's waterways—from Biscayne Bay and the Gulf of America to the Atlantic Coast.