Lucy's Law: Tough New Boating Penalties Signed for Safer Florida Waters

Indian River County, Florida, USA - On June 28, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s recent signing of Lucy’s Law promises to bolster boating safety throughout the Sunshine State. Named in honor of 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez, who lost her life in a tragic accident in September 2022, this new measure aims to hold reckless boat operators accountable and improve safety on the water.

Lucy was one of 14 passengers on a boat that capsized after striking a channel marker near Boca Chita Key. Her untimely death left a profound impact, particularly on her parents, Melissa and Andy Fernandez, who advocated tirelessly for legislative change. They hope this law will prevent similar tragedies in the future, as highlighted by TCPalm.

Key Provisions of Lucy’s Law

Lucy’s Law, officially known as HB 289, implements a series of new penalties associated with boating under the influence (BUI). As reported by NBC Miami, a minimum four-year prison sentence will now be enforced for those found guilty of BUI manslaughter. Other significant measures include penalties for leaving the scene of a boating crash, whether it causes injury, death, or damages.

• Leaving the scene of an accident with injuries (not serious) can result in a third-degree felony charge.
• Leaving the scene of an accident with serious injury can lead to a second-degree felony charge.
• Accidents resulting in death are punishable as first-degree felonies.
• Reckless boating resulting in serious bodily injury is classified as a third-degree felony.

This legislation sends a clear message: unsafe boating practices will not be tolerated in Florida waters.

A Step Towards Safer Waters

Supported by a near-unanimous vote in the Florida Legislature, Lucy’s Law also mandates that any boat operator convicted of a boating infraction will be required to complete a boating safety education course. This move aims to address gaps in safety knowledge among boat owners, particularly considering that existing state law only requires individuals born after January 1, 1988, to take a formal boating safety course.

Despite discussions to extend license suspensions for BUI convictions—an idea that was ultimately left off the bill—this legislation is a significant step in the right direction. As detailed by Florida Politics, the new rules will empower the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to set regulations aimed at increasing boating safety.

The Impact of Boating Incidents in Florida

With over 1.04 million registered vessels in Florida as of 2023, the state leads the nation in boat ownership, making effective safety regulations essential. The statistics paint a concerning picture; in 2023 alone, Florida experienced 659 boating accidents that resulted in 59 fatalities. Specifically, the Treasure Coast counties reported the following incidents:

These numbers underscore the necessity for rigorous laws like Lucy’s Law. As more boaters take to the water, ensuring their safe operation is of paramount importance.

As the new law comes into effect on July 1, there’s hope that it will foster a culture of responsibility among Florida’s boat operators. Lucy’s Law is not just about penalties—it’s about saving lives and making Florida waterways a safer place for everyone.