Fort Lauderdale Boating Crime Lawyer

Fort Lauderdale Boating Crime Attorney

Being on the water is the perfect way to spend the day until something happens that causes you to face boating crime charges. Whether you are being charged with boating under the influence (BUI), reckless operation of a vessel, or another vessel-related maritime crime, our Fort Lauderdale boating crime lawyer at The Kirlew Law Firm can help.

When you need a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer to help you understand complex boating laws and to handle your boating crime case, our firm has decades of combined experience to apply to your situation. Sometimes, you are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Whatever the circumstances, we can build a strong defense for you.

Hire a Boating Crime Lawyer

Hiring a Fort Lauderdale boating crime lawyer at The Kirlew Law Firm is essential to navigate complex boating crime laws, defend against charges such as a BUI or reckless operation, and protect against severe penalties, including jail time, heavy fines, and license suspension. A skilled attorney can also protect your rights during investigations, secure evidence, and negotiate with prosecutors to minimize charges.

When you are facing a boating crime charge in Florida, and you need to hire a boating crime lawyer, our Fort Lauderdale boating crime attorney at The Kirlew Law Firm can help you navigate complex boating crime laws and work on your case. We also know the courts, so when your boating crime case goes through the local Broward County Clerk of Courts, our legal team can handle every step of the process.

Facing boating crime charges can be stressful. This is especially true if you are innocent. Many times, there is no reason for a maritime stop, and our defense attorney can analyze the evidence of the prosecutor to highlight your innocence, if applicable. We can also look for other weaknesses in the case against you. Together, we can get through the legal complications.

Boating Crimes

Boating crimes are any criminal activities that occur on the water and involve a vessel, such as boating under the influence (BUI), reckless vessel operation, vessel theft, or, in some cases, maritime negligence. As serious crimes centered on boating, each offense carries its own penalties. With these charges, law enforcement agencies, such as the United States Coast Guard, are often involved.

Depending on the circumstances, a boating crime case can include:

• Motorized boats
• Jet skis
• Sailboats
• Kayaks
• Canoes
• Paddleboards

Boating activity and accidents go hand in hand. In 2024, statistics reported by the Coast Guard showed there was a slight increase in total boating accidents but a decrease in fatalities, marking the lowest number of fatalities in over 50 years. Fatalities fell 1.4% to 556 from 564 in 2023, while overall incidents increased by 1.1% from 3,844 to 3,887. Nonfatal injuries rose 2.1% from 2,126 to 2,170. Even though fatalities are down, accidents remain a top concern and alcohol a top cause.

Boating Crimes in Florida

As an international maritime hub, Florida is home to many boats and boating crimes. A Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer at our firm has the knowledge of the local area to understand what kinds of boating crimes occur most frequently and what the outcomes look like. By looking at the individual factors in your case, our boating crimes lawyer can start to build a defense.

Some of the most common types of boating crimes in Florida include:

• Boating under the influence (BUI)
• Reckless or careless operation of a vessel
• Leaving the scene of a boating accident
• Boating without proper safety equipment or licensing
• Environmental and wildlife violations

In addition to the U.S. Coast Guard, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and local law enforcement also get involved with enforcing boating laws in Florida. These authorities are all granted the power to stop vessels, inspect for compliance, and make arrests. The Boater Freedom Act does limit the reasonableness of stops, however.

Boating Crime Penalties

Boating crime penalties in Fort Lauderdale, Florida are severe because they often lead to injuries and death. In 2024, 112 people died when their boat collided with another boat or a fixed object. The severity of the crime typically determines the severity of the punishment. With a simple BUI without damages, for example, you may only face fines, probation, and boating safety classes, but more serious crimes can even lead to manslaughter charges.

FAQs

What Is the New Boater Safety Law in Florida?

The 2025 Florida Boater Freedom Act went into effect on July 1, 2025, and prohibits law enforcement from stopping or boarding vessels solely for safety or sanitation inspections, requiring probable cause instead. It also bans local governments from restricting boats based on fuel type and introduces a new voluntary five-year safety inspection decal.

Is BUI As Serious as a DUI?

A BUI is as serious as a DUI charge, and a Fort Lauderdale boating crime attorney can help you minimize the similar penalties that a BUI has, including jail time, heavy fines, criminal records, and potential driver’s license suspension. If you receive a BUI, it is imperative to seek the counsel of a lawyer who can help you understand how it could impact you and your future.

Who Has the Right of Way When Boating?

In boating, the vessel on the right has the right of way in crossing situations, known as the stand-on vessel, while the other is the give-way vessel. Powerboats must yield to sailboats, fishing vessels, and non-motorized boats. Key rules include overtaking on either side while staying clear and passing head-on vessels on their port side.

Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer on a Boat?

You can physically refuse a breathalyzer on a boat in Florida, but doing so carries immediate consequences under Florida’s Implied Consent Law. Refusal results in a mandatory $500 civil penalty, suspension of vessel operation privileges, and a potential criminal misdemeanor charge for the first offense. It may also go on your record.

Fort Lauderdale Boating Crime Lawyer

If you need a Fort Lauderdale boating crime lawyer to handle your boating crime case, look no further than The Kirlew Law Firm. With extensive experience handling complex and diverse criminal law cases, our legal team can find solutions that work for you and your boating crime situation. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today.