NewsNBC 6 South FloridaJuly 2, 2026Miami-Dade
New Boating Safety Rules and 'Lucy's Law' Explained
Miami-Dade officials and the family of Lucy Fernandez held a press conference to promote boating safety ahead of the July 4th holiday. The event highlighted 'Lucy's Law,' a new state law that increases penalties for reckless boating and mandates safety education for certain boat operators.
Read the full story at NBC 6 South FloridaWhy It Matters
New state legislation mandates that boat operators who have lived in Florida for less than five years must obtain a and establishes a four-year minimum prison sentence for boaters who flee the scene of an accident while under the influence.
Key Facts
- Lucy's Law was passed in March 2025 to increase penalties for reckless boating and leaving the scene of a crash.
- Boaters convicted of boating under the influence who leave the scene or fail to contact law enforcement face a minimum four-year prison sentence.
- Boat operators who have not been Florida residents for at least five years are now required to obtain a boater safety card or equivalent.
- The legislation was inspired by the 2022 death of 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez in a boat crash near Boca Chita Key.
- George Pino was acquitted last month of charges related to the 2022 crash.
Who's Mentioned
personAndres Fernandez“Father of Lucy Fernandez and representative of the Lucy Fernandez Foundation”locationBoca Chita Key“Location of the 2022 boat crash”organizationLucy Fernandez Foundation“Foundation established in memory of Lucy Fernandez”personGeorge Pino“South Florida developer acquitted in the crash involving Lucy Fernandez”personLucy Fernandez“Victim of a 2022 boating accident”personDaniella Levine Cava“Miami-Dade County Mayor”