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Is It Illegal To Drink While Boating in Florida?

Home   /   Personal Injury Blog   /   Is It Illegal To Drink While Boating in Florida?

October 30, 2023 | By Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
Is It Illegal To Drink While Boating in Florida?

Florida weather allows for boating almost year-round. Boating is often associated with alcohol, as boaters love soaking up the sun with a beer or cocktail in hand. While it is not illegal for of-age passengers to drink while on a boat, operators cannot drive a boat while under the influence. Here is what you need to know about drinking and boating in Florida.

Can You Drink While on a Boat in Florida?

In Florida, you are allowed to drink as a passenger on a boat if you’re at least 21 or older. Nonetheless, it is illegal to operate a boat if you’re intoxicated.

Florida law is similar for vehicle drivers and boat operators. Under Florida law, a person with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or greater is considered under the influence. A person under 21 cannot have any alcohol in their system at all while operating a boat.

Just as with drinking and driving a car, drinking can severely affect a person’s ability to operate a boat. Alcohol can reduce the normal function of the brain, impact muscle coordination, and impair focus, vision, and thinking.

BUI and Consequences of Boating While Impaired

A person who drives a boat while impaired faces charges for boating under the influence (BUI) and legal penalties, including fines and prison time. Penalties depend on the details of the situation and the operator’s history. These repercussions can have a negative impact on a person’s life and future.

Aside from the legal consequences, boating while impaired significantly increases the chances of accidents. A boat operator’s negligence can result in collisions with other boaters or individuals in the water, resulting in severe injuries, and sometimes even death. 

Common Injuries Resulting From Drunk Boat Driving Accidents

Boating accidents regularly lead to catastrophic injuries, especially when alcohol is involved. This is because impaired boat operators typically speed and engage in other dangerous behaviors that increase the severity of impact. 

Injuries common to boating accidents in Clearwater include:

  • Lacerations
  • Brain injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Amputation injuries

Additionally, injuries from boating collisions usually require extensive medical care and rehabilitation, and even then, victims may not have the opportunity to fully recover. In the most unfortunate cases, boating accident victims succumb to their injuries. 

Recovering Compensation for a Boating Collision

If you’re involved in a boat accident, you may have the chance to recover financially for your injuries and other related losses. By filing a claim, you can pursue compensation for things like:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Disability

If you’ve lost a loved one in a boat crash, you may have a claim for wrongful death. Under a wrongful death claim, you can seek monetary recovery for the loss of your loved one.

Navigating a boat accident case can be challenging. A personal injury lawyer can provide much-needed guidance to help ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve. 

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help After Boating Accidents

While operating a boat while intoxicated is illegal in Florida, drunk boating accidents, unfortunately, still happen. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a boating accident involving alcohol, it is vital to speak with a personal injury attorney. A lawyer can investigate your accident and help you seek justice for the harm you’ve suffered. Whether you’re filing a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim, your attorney can advocate on your behalf throughout your case. Allowing a personal injury lawyer to represent you gives you the best opportunity to obtain the fair compensation you need.

Contact a Clearwater Boat Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact today the legal team at Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a boat accident lawyer in Clearwater, FL. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.

We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765

(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763

(727) 591-5610

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615

(813) 686-7588

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655

(727) 815-8442

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695

(727) 787-2500

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I cannot say enough incredible things about Roman Austin Law Firm. John Austin is a phenomenal lawyer. I was in a bad crash that involved a truck totaling my vehicle and sustaining neck and back injuries.Going into this process, I was honestly apprehensive about even hiring a lawyer. I was especially wary of those large, commercial firms that just want to move cases quickly. I had heard some great things about Roman Austin, but did my own extensive research and now know why they are a five star firm. What could have easily been a stressful and overwhelming experience turned into something completely different because of John Austin and his team. Choosing them was one of the best decisions I have ever made.John is truly exceptional. He is incredibly detailed, meticulous, and completely devoted to his work. He worked tirelessly on my case, going above and beyond anything I could have ever expected. He spent countless hours (even on weekends), and was always available whenever I needed him. His level of dedication, care, and precision is something you rarely find.Beyond that, he is patient, kind, and deeply compassionate. You never feel like just another case. He genuinely cares about you as a person and wants the absolute best for you. He made what could have been a difficult process feel manageable and supported every step of the way.His entire team was phenomenal. They were responsive, professional, and just as committed. Every interaction felt thoughtful and intentional.The outcome we achieved was fantastic, and I am beyond grateful. I couldn't be more pleased with my experience.If you are considering legal representation, I wholeheartedly recommend John at Roman Austin Law Firm. They are professional, dedicated, and truly invested in their clients.Choosing John Austin made all the difference. He fought tirelessly to ensure that everything I endured was recognized and fairly compensated, and that level of dedication is something I will never forget. I am profoundly grateful not only for the outcome, but for the care, integrity, and unwavering commitment shown every step of the way. Forever thankful I chose them, and truly forever grateful.

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Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

1811 N. Belcher Road Suite I-1,
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

2360 Congress Ave STE 100,
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 725-7661

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

2515 Seven Springs Blvd,
New Port Richey , FL 34655
(727) 815-8442

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

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(813) 422-7772

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

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St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 335-1373

At Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we practice across the entire state of Florida. We primarily serve the following localities: Clearwater, Countryside, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, East Lake, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Largo, Seminole, Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Holiday, Tarpon Springs, Trinity, Westchase, Tampa, Town N Country, Egypt Lake Leto, Citrus Park, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Starkey Ranch, and all surrounding communities in Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough Counties.

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