Do I Need a License to Operate a Boat in Florida?

Florida is the Boating Capital of the World, boasting over one million registered vessels—more than any other state. However, Florida also leads the nation in boating accidents, injuries, and fatalities. For South Florida boaters, this is especially concerning, as statistics show Miami and the Florida Keys rank among the deadliest locations for boating accidents.

Many boating accidents stem from failure to follow basic safety rules. Unlike driving a car, Florida does not require a state-issued boating license, making safety education all the more crucial.

Florida Boating Laws & Requirements

In Florida, a person must be 16 years old to drive a car, complete a drug and alcohol course, pass a written test, and prove driving proficiency. However, boating laws are far more relaxed. Florida does not mandate a boating license; instead, certain individuals must take a boating safety course.

Who Needs a Boating Safety Card?

As of 2010, Florida law requires boaters born on or after January 1, 1988, to obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card to legally operate a vessel with 10 or more horsepower. This card is earned by completing a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)-approved course and remains valid for life.

Unlike driving a car, no proficiency test is required before taking a boat out on the water. This raises safety concerns, as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reports that 80% of operators involved in fatal boating accidents in 2023 had no formal boating education.

Boating License Requirements in Other States

Florida is not alone in its lenient license requirements. Only one state—Alabama—requires an actual boating license. Thirty-six states, including Florida, require some form of boater education but do not mandate a formal license. Non-residents in Florida can comply by carrying proof of a NASBLA-approved course or by passing a temporary certification exam, valid for 90 days.

Who Is Exempt from the Boating Safety Education Requirement?

Certain individuals do not need a Boating Safety Education ID Card, including:

How Are Florida Boating Laws Enforced?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and law enforcement partners (including the marine patrol) enforce boating regulations. Failure to comply with the Boating Safety Education ID Card requirement can lead to fines of up to $1,000.

Some states, such as New York, allow individuals who complete a safety course to add a boating icon to their driver’s license for easy verification. Florida may benefit from implementing a similar system.

Boating Safety & Legal Protection

Boating is a beloved pastime in Florida, but safety must always come first. While Florida’s boater safety education laws are a step in the right direction, more can be done to prevent accidents and fatalities.

If you or a loved one is injured in a boating accident, the experienced maritime attorneys at Mase Seitz Briggs are here to protect your rights. Contact us today for expert legal representation in boating injury claims.

Miami Marine Stadium Renovation: Will it really happen?

Once again, there appears to be hope for the Miami Marine Stadium.  The City of Miami is again considering a plan to renovate this historic venue.  As a native Miamian and long-time boater, I am cautiously optimistic that the City Commission will follow through and not allow this iconic structure to be bulldozed to make way for more condominiums or other development.

Growing up in Miami, I have fond memories of a beautiful outdoor stadium that hosted boat races, concerts and other events in a unique open-air venue on the water year-round.  Over time it fell into disrepair, events ceased, and use of the area devolved into a raucous weekend party spot, often frequented by illegal boat charters. 

The structure itself became all but abandoned, covered in graffiti and uncared for.  On weekends, numerous boats and jet skis both anchor in and ply the lagoon, often traveling at unsafe speeds resulting in accidents and injuries.  Excessive drinking is rampant, and efforts to contain and control the activities by law enforcement have had little effect on the “scene”.  By evening the lagoon is full of boats, many rafted up, partying to loud music well into the early morning hours.  It is no surprise that local residents as far away as Brickell are concerned that any new organized use of the stadium will lead to considerable noise that will travel across the water, and affect their peaceful enjoyment of the homes. 

The Miami Herald recently reported that concerts and performances are anticipated in the renovated Marine Stadium.  With this, one hopes there will be a return of the boat races and other on water events and the elimination of the illegal charter activities and seemingly unregulated and unsafe use of the lagoon by weekend partiers.

Since the Marine Stadium’s completion in 1963, Miami has grown from a sleepy Southern town into a world class city, akin to Los Angeles but on the East Coast.  As Miami developed however, so did an obvious deficiency in its waterfront: a lack of dining and event venues.  Renovation of the Marine Stadium is a step in the right direction.  Miami deserves a world class outdoor venue for water sports events, concerts and other cultural activities.  Let’s hope that the City Commission raises this from the ashes of the decrepit structure that presently sits on the site.

The author, Curtis Mase, is a Trial Attorney who specializes in Maritime and Admiralty Law, and a life-long boater with a love for the beautiful waters surrounding Miami. 

Bayesian’s Tragic Sinking: A Stark Reminder of the Dangers of Unpredictable Weather at Sea

When it comes to maritime safety, two of the most feared risks for both experienced mariners and casual boaters are fire and sinking. While lightning is also a concern, it generally falls under the broader category of hazardous weather. Mariners respect the weather for its unpredictable nature, knowing that it can shift from calm to life-threatening in an instant.

Bayesian: A Tragedy off the Coast of Sicily

The recent sinking of the Bayesian, a 184-foot vessel owned by British tech magnate Mike Lynch, off the coast of Sicily, is a sobering reminder of the dangers of sudden weather changes at sea. The vessel was caught off guard by an unexpected squall, accompanied by a waterspout, that led to its tragic sinking. Of the 22 people on board, 15 survived, six were confirmed dead, and one remains missing at the time of this writing.

The Unpredictability of Weather at Sea

Each year, vessels of all sizes report severe weather events that can have catastrophic consequences. While larger ships, like cruise liners, often encounter rogue waves without incident, the same cannot always be said for smaller vessels. Certain regions are notorious for their volatile weather patterns; Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, for instance, is known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" due to the frequent and rapidly developing storms in the area. The Caribbean is another region where severe squalls can arise suddenly, reaching tropical storm or even hurricane strength within hours—or even minutes—often leaving devastation in their wake.

Modern Weather Monitoring and Safety Equipment

Today’s vessels are equipped with advanced safety gear and electronics designed to predict and mitigate the risks posed by severe weather. Weather tracking software, integrated with the vessel’s multi-function display and radar systems, provides real-time updates on developing weather conditions. Additionally, numerous online platforms offer marine forecasts that are essential for safe passage. Before setting sail, it is crucial to check these forecasts to avoid unnecessary risks.

However, not all weather is predictable. While some services, like SiriusXM Weather, claim to detect these disturbances, their effectiveness remains uncertain. The tragic loss of the Bayesian may well have been preventable if more accurate weather predictions were available.

A Firsthand Account of Weather’s Wrath

The author recalls a recent harrowing experience while crossing the Northeast Providence Channel en route to the Bahamas. Midway through what had been a calm journey, a micro-cell of weather suddenly developed, transforming the sea state from near-flat calm to chaotic 8-foot waves, lightning, and gale-force winds. Despite careful planning and weather checks, there was no indication of the impending storm, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the sea—a reality that also led to the sinking of the Bayesian.

Strategies for Weathering the Storm

When faced with severe weather, the best course of action for any captain is to turn into the storm, reduce speed to maintain steerage, and prepare to ride it out. All navigation and safety lights should be turned on, including flood and spreader lights, to enhance visibility. Secure all gear, and ensure that passengers and crew find safe positions to minimize the risk of injury. Modern vessels are often equipped with a bonding system to safely discharge electricity in the event of a lightning strike, which helps protect both the vessel and its occupants from severe damage.

Bilge pumps are another critical safety feature. Multiple high-capacity bilge pumps with reliable switches are essential for any ocean-going vessel, as they play a vital role in preventing a boat from sinking, especially in severe weather.

Minimizing Risks from Unpredictable Weather

The tragic events in Italy serve as a powerful reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the impact of weather on all vessels, regardless of size or equipment. Ensuring safety at sea involves thorough pre-cruise planning, constant situational awareness, and diligent weather monitoring. By following these steps, a conscientious captain can improve the odds of navigating through severe weather events, potentially avoiding injury and minimizing damage to the vessel.

P. Diddy Trial Updates

A High-Profile Case Enters Final Sentencing Phase

After more than a year of headlines, accusations, and legal maneuvering, the federal criminal case against Sean “P. Diddy” Combs has taken yet another dramatic turn. On June 25, 2025, federal prosecutors strategically dropped several high-level charges, citing the need to simplify the case for the jury and streamline the legal process. But despite those dismissals, the courtroom saga continued. On July 2, Combs was convicted on two felony counts under the Mann Act for transporting individuals across state lines for illegal sexual activity.

Now, the focus shifts to sentencing, scheduled for October 3, 2025. Federal prosecutors are seeking a sentence of 51–63 months, while the defense team is advocating for a much shorter term of 21–27 months. The disparity in these recommendations highlights what is at stake, not only for Combs’ personal liberty, but also for the broader message this case sends regarding accountability in the entertainment industry. The court will consider a range of factors during sentencing, including victim impact statements, Combs’ public persona, and the weight of pending civil claims.

Timeline of Legal Milestones

Upcoming Sentencing: What’s at Stake

The upcoming sentencing will be a pivotal moment. Both the prosecution and defense have offered starkly different visions for what justice looks like in this case:

The court's decision will hinge on how it weighs not only the legal findings but also the broader context: years of accusations, sealed testimonies, and ongoing civil litigation that continues to cast a long shadow over Combs’ legacy and career. 

Advocacy, Civil Litigation, and the Road Ahead

While the criminal aspect of the trial is now entering its final stage, civil lawsuits remain active. Multiple plaintiffs, some anonymous, continue to pursue claims of sexual abuse, coercion, and exploitation. For these individuals, the civil courtroom may be the only venue to seek recognition, accountability, and resolution. 

With at least 20 civil suits filed across multiple jurisdictions, the scope of Combs’ legal exposure remains extensive. While no longer facing the most serious federal charges, the financial and reputational damage from these proceedings is likely far from over.

A Voice for the Silenced: Why Legal Advocacy Matters

This case underscores the crucial role of the civil justice system in empowering survivors of sexual assault to speak their truth, especially when criminal accountability is delayed or legally limited. At Mase Seitz Briggs, we believe that every survivor deserves the opportunity to seek justice, be heard, and find closure, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred or how powerful the abuser may be. 

For many victims, the courtroom is more than just a place for legal proceedings; it’s a space where they reclaim their narrative, gain visibility, and confront systemic failures that allowed the abuse to go unchecked. Our personal injury attorneys are deeply committed to helping survivors navigate their journey with dignity, strength, and an unwavering belief in their right to be believed and supported.

The Importance of Finding the Right Legal Team

At Mase Seitz Briggs, we understand that justice isn’t always served in one sweeping verdict. Survivors often rely on the civil justice system to hold powerful figures accountable when the criminal system does not, or cannot, fully address their harm. Our attorneys are proud to represent those who refuse to be silenced, and we remain committed to helping victims assert their rights, recover damages, and rebuild their lives. Contact us today for compassionate legal representation.

Skydiver Killed in Florida Parachuting Accident

Tragedy Strikes Titusville Community After Parachutist Dies

Multiple reports indicate that a parachutist died in a solo accident in a Titusville front lawn. The skydiver was found unresponsive by the homeowner. The incident, which occurred at approximately 12:25 pm on Saturday, October 7, 2023, was captured on a neighbor’s surveillance video. It is unclear whether a failure of the safety gear is to be blamed for the fatal accident. 

Titusville Skydiver Killed in Parachuting Incident

According to The Guardian and other sources, a skydiver was killed in a parachuting accident last month in Titusville, Florida. The 69-year-old man was found unresponsive in the front lawn of a residence. The homeowner reportedly came out to check on the parachutist and found him deceased.  

A neighbor’s surveillance camera picked up footage of the skydiver in a reflection off of an SUV. The reflection shows the skydiver falling with his parachute deployed. The skydiver was also found in full safety gear. It is unclear what caused the accident or whether the parachutist had intended to land in the nearby Skydive Space Center. The Skydive Space Center is only a few blocks from the house where the fatal accident occurred.

The Titusville Police Department released a statement indicating that they were investigating the death of the parachutist. The press release indicated that the man was from Ormond Beach and was outfitted with parachute attire and gear. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The home where the deadly incident occurred is located at the 2600 block of Merry Lane.

Common Causes of Parachuting Accidents 

Research from Statista indicates that equipment problems are the second most common cause of skydiving fatalities. Many skydiving accidents are preventable, caused by a lack of training or other negligence. However, it may take an independent investigation to determine what caused the accident and whether someone can be held liable for the resulting injuries. 

Other common causes of parachuting or skydiving accidents include:

Skydiving can be extremely dangerous for both novices and experienced jumpers. One small problem can prove fatal. If you are injured or lose a loved one in a parachuting accident, it is important to speak with an attorney to determine your legal actions.

Contact Our Office to Discuss Your Rights

Were you injured in a skydiving accident, or did you lose a loved one? You might be entitled to compensation depending on the circumstances of the case. At Mase Seitz Briggs, we represent individuals who have been involved in skydiving accidents throughout South Florida. Our lawyers will help you understand your rights, including your right to recovery after an accident.
It is important to act fast as you may only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for damages. Skydiving accidents that are caused by another person’s negligence or equipment malfunction may be preventable and result in liability. Contact our office today at (844) 627-3529 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.