Gov. Scott Signs Legislation for Boater Safety in Florida

Governor Rick Scott signed HB 427 which reduces the registration fees for vessels that are equipped with safety features such as an emergency indicator radio beacon (EPIRB) and other precautions. This action follows the tragic loss of two Florida teenagers last July after sailing from the Jupiter Inlet.

Governor Scott said, “I continue to offer my deepest condolences to the families of the teenagers who lost their lives after sailing from the Jupiter Inlet. It is heartbreaking to consider the grief of a family losing a child. I hope these important safety measures we signed into law today will help ensure that this kind of tragedy never happens again. We have made it a priority to make Florida the safest state in the nation, especially for those sailing and enjoying our beautiful waters. I want to thank Senate President-Designate Joe Negron and Representative MaryLynn Magar for their hard work on this bill to keep Florida families safe.”

Senate President-Designate Joe Negron said, “I want to thank Governor Scott for signing this legislation to protect Florida boaters from experiencing tragedies such as the heartbreaking loss in Jupiter last summer. I hope the lower registration cost for boat operators encourages more Floridians to purchase these important safety features.”

Representative MaryLynn Magar said, “We are still heartbroken by the loss of two Florida teenagers last July and our prayers continue to be with their families. I am thankful to Senator Negron for his work on this legislation and Governor Scott for signing this bill into law today. My hope is that every Florida boater is serious about being safe and taking safety precautions before sailing or boating in the Sunshine State.”

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