Reckless or Careless Operation

Florida law states that it is unlawful to operate a vessel in a reckless or dangerous manner. Specifically, the law designates the following dangerous operating practices as illegal.

Reckless or Careless Operation of a vessel or manipulation of water skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices is the failure to exercise the care necessary to prevent the endangerment of life, limb, or property of any person. Some examples are:

• Boating in restricted areas without regard for other boaters or persons, posted speeds and wake restrictions, divers-down flags, etc.
• Failing to follow the navigation rules

In Florida, most fatal boating accidents occur when a vessel operator is inattentive or fails to keep a proper lookout.