Gov. DeSantis Rallies Support for Boater Freedom Bill in Panama City Beach

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL - On April 7, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited Treasure Island Marina in Panama City Beach to drum up support for the Boater Freedom Bill, a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the boating and fishing experience in the state. The event, held in Bay County, highlighted Florida’s vibrant marine industry and addressed ongoing legislative challenges.

“We are now home to over 7,000 marine businesses, over 100,000 people employed in this industry…we have over 4 million registered anglers,” DeSantis said, underscoring the economic and cultural significance of boating and fishing in Florida. The governor emphasized that the bill responds to feedback from boaters statewide, aiming to improve infrastructure like boat ramps, parking, and marina projects while protecting wildlife.

The Boater Freedom Bill, spearheaded by Senator Jay Trumbull in the Florida Senate and Representative Griff Griffiths in the House, proposes several key changes. It eliminates the need for safety inspections as probable cause for stopping boats, introduces a “Florida Freedom Boater” safety inspection decal for compliant vessels, and allocates funds for marine infrastructure. 

However, the bill faces resistance in the Florida House. “The Florida House is more interested in obstructing the legislation,” DeSantis stated. “They are doing what Morgan and Morgan want them to do.” He also criticized the House for prioritizing tax cuts for Canadians over supporting local boaters.

On April 10, the bill advanced in the Senate, passing the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government with unanimous support (11 Yeas, 0 Nays). Meanwhile, Griffiths’ companion bill in the House has been stalled since March 4 in the House Appropriations Committee.  

In a related development, HB 735, sponsored by Representatives Brackett and Gossett-Seidman, addresses water access facilities. The bill, which supports sovereignty-submerged land leases for Clean Marine Manufacturer facilities and competitive grants for public parking lots for boat-hauling vehicles, passed the House on March 26 with overwhelming support (112 Yeas, 0 Nays).

During his speech, DeSantis also touched on a separate issue, criticizing a South Florida judge’s attempt to block Florida from enforcing the law to return illegal immigrants to their home countries. 

As the Boater Freedom Bill continues its legislative journey, its supporters remain optimistic about its potential to bolster Florida’s marine industry while addressing boaters’ concerns. However, with opposition in the House, its fate remains uncertain.

Watch the event here: