05/30/2026
You probably already know about Florida's Move Over Law on the road. But did you know there's a version for the water?
Florida Statute 327.463 requires boaters to slow to slow speed, minimum wake whenever they're within 300 feet of an emergency vessel with its lights activated. That includes law enforcement, Coast Guard, and fire rescue vessels. It also applies near construction vessels or barges flying an orange flag while actively working.
Fully off plane. Minimal wake.
The reason is simple: a boat flying past at full speed creates a wake that can knock personnel off their feet, interfere with rescue operations, or make an already dangerous situation worse. When lights are on and crews are working, the last thing they need is someone's wake rocking the boat, literally.
First responders are out on the water every day, and laws like this one help make sure they can do their jobs safely and get home at the end of their shift.
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