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According to the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, Florida ranked No. 1 in domestic migration, No. 2 in international migration, and No. 1 with the most people moving in per day at 1,218, from July 2021 to July 2022. This made Florida’s total population more than 22.2 million, third behind California and Texas, surpassing New York.

The U.S. Census Bureau also ranked Florida No. 1 in total net migration, which measures the difference between the number of people moving in and the number of people moving out of Florida.

With so many new permanent residents and an increase in tourism, boating has become even more popular in our year-round boating season. Statistical Surveys, a Michigan-based firm, compiled information from 29 states, 58 percent of the U.S. recreational boating market. In January 2023, Florida led Texas, North Carolina, Michigan, and Alabama with 2,663 new boating registrations. Florida is also recognized as “The Boating Capital of the World” with more than 1 million registered boats.

2022 Florida Boating Accidents

The Florida boating accident statistical report for 2022 showed 735 reported boating accidents. 59 percent of 2022 boating accidents occurred in 10 Florida counties. Lee County ranked 5^th in the number of accidents with 53 accidents involving open motorboats, personal watercraft, cabin motorboats, pontoon boats, and canoes/kayaks.

Florida Boaters Cited for Lack of Safety Equipment

In 2021, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued over 14,000 citations to Florida boaters, one-third of which were directly related to safety equipment and registrations. To assist boaters in complying with Florida’s laws, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary provides free safety inspections that include checking for the required safety equipment.

What Safety Equipment Is Required for Boating in Florida?

Fort Myers Boating Accident Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. has seen the devastation caused when boaters do not have the required safety equipment available when it is needed. Attorney Spivey is sharing the following links from the FWC website that outline the minimum requirements for safety equipment:

"All recreational vessels are required to have size-specific safety equipment on board.  (See also, Equipment and Lighting Requirements in the boating regulations.) 

• Minimum Required Safety Equipment for Class A Recreational Vessels: (less than 16 ft / less than 4.9m) or Canoes and Kayaks 

• Minimum Required Safety Equipment for Class 2 Recreational Vessels: 26 to less than 40 ft/ 7.9 to less than 12.2m)

•  Minimum Required Safety Equipment for Class 3 Recreational Vessels: 40 to less than 65 ft/ 12.2 to less than 19.8m)”

“Please take advantage of the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s free safety checks before going out on Florida’s beautiful waters. After the inspection, make any recommended changes, and prevent accidents. This free service is beneficial for all boaters and will not only keep you and your passengers safe but also others sharing our waterways,” said Fort Myers Boating Accident Attorney Randall Spivey.

“Our firm handles water accidents involving boats, wave runners, jet skis, and all types of watercrafts. We assist operators, passengers, and/or swimmers who are injured in boating accidents because of the negligence of others. For a free consultation, please contact us at 239.337.7483, toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or contact us online at SpiveyLaw.com. No costs or attorney fees are paid by you until there is a monetary recovery. We have devoted our lives to assisting those who have been injured receive the damages to which they are entitled.”