A newly passed bill in Florida introduces stricter penalties for individuals responsible for boating accidents that result in death, serious injury, or property damage. Senate Bill 58 (SB 58), known as the 2025 Florida Boat Accident Penalty Bill, establishes harsher criminal consequences for reckless vessel operation that leads to significant harm.
Additionally, SB 58 revises existing laws related to boating under the influence (BUI), increasing penalties for those found operating a vessel while impaired. The bill also expands the definition of “vessel homicide” to include the death of an unborn child if the mother sustains fatal injuries due to reckless boating.
Originally filed in November 2024, the bill was officially passed into law on March 26, 2025. It was introduced in response to boating accidents involving alcohol and drug use, which have been a growing concern in the state.
Florida has consistently recorded the highest number of boating-related fatalities in the United States. A recent study conducted by state officials revealed an annual average of 65 deaths due to boating accidents. The most frequent incidents occur in Miami and the Florida Keys, with many cases linked to alcohol consumption. In 2023 alone, 59 boating fatalities were reported, with over 10 percent directly tied to alcohol use.
SB 58 has also been referred to as “Lucy’s Law,” named after Lucy Fernandez, a teenager who lost her life in a tragic boating accident near Boca Chita Key in Miami-Dade County on September 4, 2022. The boat, carrying Fernandez and 13 others, struck a channel marker and capsized. The vessel was being operated by George Pino, who has since been charged with vessel homicide in connection with her death.
An investigation into the incident revealed that the boat was being maneuvered recklessly at the time of the crash. While all other passengers, including Pino, were rescued by Good Samaritans and emergency responders, Fernandez did not survive her injuries.
This new legislation aims to deter reckless boating behavior and enhance safety on Florida’s waterways. By imposing stricter consequences on individuals who operate vessels negligently or while impaired, the bill seeks to reduce the number of fatal accidents and protect boaters and passengers alike.
