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

After almost two months since entertainment tycoon Sean “P Diddy” Combs’ two mansions were raided by federal and local law enforcement, hardly any new details have been released. On March 25th, 2024 Comb’s, one located in Los Angeles, CA and the other in Miami, FL were searched following new allegations against the artist spanning over 30 years. 

Charges and Initial Accusations 

November 16, 2023 Cassandra Ventura, P Diddy’s’ ex girlfriend and R&B singer, states in a lawsuit that she was subjected to years of both physical and sexual assault at the hand of Combs. 

November 23, 2023 Joi Dickerson and an unnamed female accuse Combs of assault. These women allege that in the early 1990s they were victims of forced drugging, beatings, and sexual assault by Combs.

December 6, 2023 Another unnamed woman’s lawsuit claims that while she was 17, in 2003, she was trafficked, drugged, and raped by Combs and two other men.

February 26, 2023 In a lawsuit filed by male music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, Comb’s is accused of sexually assaulting him and forcing him to have sex with prostitutes. 

March 25, 2024 Homeland security and local law enforcement raid both of Comb’s mansions. 

April 4, 2024 A lawsuit against P Diddy’s son, Christian “King” Combs, names him as a codefendant in the sexual assault of a woman. 

April 26, 2024 Combs’ legal team makes the first piece of pushback as they filed a motion to withdraw multiple points of Dickerson’s lawsuit. 

May 10, 2024 P Diddy asks a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit filed against him on December 6th.

May 17, 2024 The Cassandra Ventura video is released to the media. 

July 4, 2024 P Diddy is named in a 10th lawsuit acccusing him of sexual misconduct.

September 16, 2024 P Diddy is arrested in Manhattan after being indicted by a grand jury.

September 17, 2024 A federal court in Manhattan unseals chargest against P Diddy for racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution, alleging he "abused, threatened and coerced women and others around him to fulfill sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct."

More About Everyone Involved

Cassandra Ventra and P Diddy began their relationship in 2007 after being signed to his record label in 2005. The federal court suit says that in 2018, Cassie was given drugs, forced into sex with other men, and assaulted in her home when trying to leave the relationship with Combs. Cassie also alleges that she was subjected to years of physical and mental abuse paired with him taking control of her professional and personal life. 

Joi Dickerson claims she was drugged, raped, and recorded by P Diddy when he was a talent director in New York, 1991. Dickerson’s lawsuit was filed the day before the Adult Survivors Act, a law that permits victims of sexual abuse in New York a one year window to file civil action despite the statute of limitations. 

The nameless woman who accused P Diddy of trafficking claims she was flown from Detroit to New York under false pretenses, lured with drugs and alcohol. She states she was incapable to consent, and the men took turns raping her. 

Rodney Jones sued Combs saying he was “subjected to unwanted advances by associates of Diddy at his directions.” In the lawsuit against Christian Combs, Sean allegedly covered up the sexual assault of a woman while she was working on the yacht he was charting. While Christian Combs is being accused of sexual harassment and infliction of emotional distress, Sean “Diddy” Combs is being sued for premises liability because he was the one who chartered the boat.

Recent Case Developments

On May 17, 2024, CNN aired a security video showing Sean “P Diddy” Combs attacking his former girlfriend and singer Cassandra Ventura. In the video the music mogul appears to be wearing a towel while he runs after Cassie in the hallway of a hotel. 

The footage also shows Diddy pushing and kicking Cassie. It then appears Combs yanks her to the ground and drags her, followed by throwing a vase towards her. This video is marked March 5, 2016 which corroborates the lawsuit Cassandra filed in November of 2023. Ventura’s lawsuit stated that earlier that evening Combs had become intoxicated, hit her in the face, then fell asleep. This is when Ventura decided she would leave the hotel. 

After the attack, she claims she managed to get away, but returned out of fear, scared she would be subjected to worse abuse if she did not. The lawsuit also alleges Diddy bought the video from the hotel for $50,000. Although this video helps validate Ventura’s claims, it is unlikely that Combs will face charges for this attack due to the statute of limitations on assault or battery in the state of California.

Current Status of Case(s)

The lawsuit filed against P Diddy by Cassandra Ventura was privately settled just one day after it was filed. In April of 2024, Diddy and other defendants involved in the Dickerson-Neal case asked the court to throw out certain portions of the case that should not be protected under the Adult Survivors Act. 

The attorneys handling Combs, Daddy’s House, and Bad Boy Entertainment have filed motion to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming it to be “time-barred.”In the case of Lil Rod v. Diddy, Jones moved to voluntarily dismiss some defendants. Christian “King” and Sean “P Diddy” are being represented by Aaron Dyer, who is seeking to dismiss the charges brought by O’Marcaigh. Sean Combs is still not in custody for any charges.

A Voice for Victims

Sexual assaults are an epidemic across our country. Unfortunately, sexual assault is frequently underreported and often overlooked. If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual assault, you need an experienced sexual assault attorney with the resources and determination necessary to fight for you. 

The Importance of Finding the Right Legal Team

Sexual assault cases must be handled with care because of the sensitive topics involved. If you or a loved one was the victim of a sexual assault or rape, you need an attorney experienced in these sensitive areas of the law. The team of sexual assault attorneys at Mase Seitz Briggs in Miami, Florida, has handled numerous sexual assault lawsuits and has the experience to represent you or a loved one to get you the compensation you deserve following these traumatic events. 

We have years of experience working with experts trained in assisting victims of sexual assault and rape. And, as a result, we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients who have been the victim of a sexual assault or rape.

Dealing with a case of sexual assault or rape can be difficult, but you do not need to go through the process alone. Our team of sexual assault and rape attorneys has helped countless women (and men) through the process of filing a sexual assault lawsuit and securing justice. If you’ve been injured, call us today so we can help you, too.

On average, over 321,500 people in the United States are victims of sexual assault each year. If you or anyone you know has been assaulted or witnessed an assault, please report it to the authorities.

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.