Lucy's Law

HB 289 LUCY’S LAW

HB 289, effective July 1 2025, provides legal definitions and increased penalties related to boating infractions. Some premier defining examples are: BUI with an associated death event. This includes the death of an “unborn child” when a mother was involved. The mandatory penalty here is four years in prison. Additional clarifications are given to leaving a scene when injury is present. Providing false information is another, as well as evidence of property damage. “Reckless boating” by the operator of “any vessel” is a violation; whether or not an accident resulted from recklessness. HB 289 stipulates punishments for every category.

FWC is also tasked with creating and approving educational criteria of online boating courses for Florida. HB 289 did not change current law regarding who must obtain a boating safety course. Anyone, residents and visitors, born on or after Jan. 1 1988 must have a Boater Safety course.

Why was HB 289 created? Lucy lost her life at age 17 after a boating crash near Boca Chita Key. The captain was carrying fourteen passengers.

Her parents have created a foundation, Lucy Fernandez Foundation, to promote boating safety and honor Lucy.

For details of the Law follow this link:- https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/BillSummaries/2025/html/3743