TALHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – A new House bill has been introduced in Florida ahead of the 2025 legislative meeting to request safety training for all sailors.
“Lucy’s Law” ensures that anyone driving a boat has at least a “basic understanding of safe boating practices,” according to a press release from the SafeSees Union. The bill also increases penalties for reckless boats to include factors such as serious injuries and accidents that result in death. Affected boats may face suspension of driver’s licenses.
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Houseville 289 was submitted by representatives of Vanessa Oliver and Vicki Lopez as Sunshine State prepares to head towards the spring and summer seasons by boat as a popular daytime activity.
The law is named after 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez, who lost her life in a boat accident in 2023. Now, her family is on a mission to keep others safe and prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedy.
“We don’t have to endure the pain of losing a child, especially in preventable accidents. Our family is living what happens when our laws aren’t keeping up with the times.” The Fernandes family said. To save Lucy, it is not too late to keep the next child and family grateful for the representatives of Oliver and Lopez, who are at the forefront of this effort.
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According to Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the state averages 65 people each year, leading the country with the most boat deaths. In 2023, there were 659 reported boat accidents, 59 deaths and 408 injuries.
Representatives Oliver and Lopez hope that the bill will strengthen training requirements to protect Floridians and save lives.
If the bill passes, it will take effect on July 1st.
