Conservationists worry a new law championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis takes away wildlife officials' best defense against poachers ...

A measure prohibiting vessel searches that stem from safety inspections on the water is among a slew of laws to be enacted in Florida this week. It halts a long-running practice in which state and ...

Under the new law, which went into effect on July 1, law enforcement officers must have probably cause to stop a vessel.

“Florida is the boating and fishing capital of the world — and the Boater Freedom Act will ensure that this remains the case,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a May 19 news release. Timothy O'Hara ...

“Florida is the boating and fishing capital of the world — and the Boater Freedom Act will ensure that this remains the case,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a May 19 news release. More in U.S.

On the first of July, nearly 100 new Florida laws are now in effect. One of the laws is one that makes many boaters happy – it limits the FWC’s ability to stop and search their vessel.

Florida's new Boater Freedom Act (SB 1388) restricts law enforcement from stopping vessels solely for safety or sanitation inspections, requiring probable cause.

Florida's new Boater Freedom Act (SB 1388) restricts law enforcement from stopping vessels solely for safety or sanitation inspections, requiring probable cause.

Florida's new Boater Freedom Act (SB 1388) restricts law enforcement from stopping vessels solely for safety or sanitation inspections, requiring probable cause.