The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recently released an advisory to remind Florida Keys boat owners that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is once again accepting applications for its Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) to prevent possible.
The VTIP is entirely voluntary and was established in late 2022 to help boat owners dispose of unwanted or at-risk vessels before they become derelict, preventing possible future legal issues for the derelict boat owner in possible boat crashes and protecting Florida’s marine life. Vessels being considered must be free of all liens or other claims of ownership ad the applicant must be the titled owner of the vessel. The vessels will be removed from state waters and destroyed at no cost to the owner.
The program removes vessels on a first come, first served basis and applicants are accepted until funding runs out, or the program ends
State Law
Under §376.15, it is illegal in Florida for an individual, firm or corporation to store, leave or abandon any derelict vessel. When left abandoned, these vessels can become dangerous for passing boaters. Additionally, they can pose threats to Florida’s seagrass and other marine life. Intentionally dumping a vessel in Florida is a third-degree penalty that can carry up to five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
A person who docks, grounds or beaches a derelict vessel on private property without the permission or knowledge of the property owner is guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor. The property owner can remove the vessel at the vessel owner’s expense 60 days after compliance with the notice requirements outlined in state law.
Florida Boat Accidents by the Numbers
There were approximately 659 crashes on Florida waters, according to numbers from an FWC report detailing the number of crashes and incidents on the water in 2023, the year with the most recent data available. The most common cause of a crash in the state was a collision with a dices object. These types of crashes accounted for 182 of the 659 reportable boating accidents in 2023. July, a month where children are out of school for summer vacation and that is historically known as one of the hottest times of the year in the state, was the month with the most accidents recorded.
In all, there were 283 accidents that resulted in injuries to over 400 people. There were about 56 fatal accidents that killed 59 people. The leading cause of death in fatal boating accidents was drowning, according to the report. At least 28 people died. While July had the most accidents on record in 2023, June and September were the months in which the most people died as a result of boat crashes in the state. Boating while impaired due to the use of alcohol or drugs was alleged to have been a factor in just over 20% of boating deaths in 2023.
Monroe and Miami-Dade Counties were the areas with the most accidents, according to the report. In Monroe County, where Leesfield & Partners has one of three Florida offices, there were 87 total accidents with three fatalities and 62 injuries.
Leesfield & Partners
Taking a look at the state’s crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, it is easy to see why over 22 million call it home and why thousands of tourists choose Florida as their vacation destinations every year. With the Sunshine State’s warm weather and coastal views, it is no wonder why it has widely considered to be the “boating capital of the world.” With that distinction, however, comes the risk of accidents. Historically, Florida has reported the highest number of boating accidents in the United States. With offices in Key West, Central Florida and Miami, Leesfield & Partners knows just how dangerous these incidents can be.
With 48 years of personal injury litigation experience, our trial lawyers have handled numerous boating injury cases. Whether it is a child who was permanently injured due to negligent supervision, a young woman who tragically lost her life due to an impaired boater or rental businesses failing to adequately brief tourists on how to handle their machines, the firm’s attorneys work diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for all clients.
Leesfield & Partners handled a boat crash case involving the tragic loss of a family’s 20-year-old daughter. The young woman in that case was one of several passengers ejected from a speeding boat following a crash with a concrete dock. Tragically, the woman did not survive. After an investigation, attorneys discovered that not only was the boater speeding at night but he was also drinking at the time of the crash.
Leesfield & Partners secured $1,325,000 for the family.
Leesfield & Partners secured a substantial settlement for a minor whose leg had to be amputated in a boating incident.
In a crash involving a jet ski and a boat, Leesfield & Partners secured $935,000.
The firm secured $800,000 for the injured party in a boating incident at a foreign resort.
A drowning incident that involved a Florida boat tour company resulted in a six-figure settlement for the grieving family.
In another crash that caused serious injuries, Leesfield & Partners attorneys were able to secure $500,000 for the injured client.
Bernardo Pimentel II, a Leesfield & Partners Trial Lawyer, previously secured the maximum, capped settlement for the family of a young lobster diver and father-to-be. The man in that case was killed when a law enforcement officer did not adhere to divers down flag laws.