1-855-722-2552Florida features an impressive 1,350 miles of coastline, so it’s no surprise that boating is a big pastime here. But while a day out on the water can be fun and relaxing, it also comes with some major risks, including the risk of injury, property damage, or death due to a boating accident.
As for the primary cause of boating accidents in Florida, there is no single culprit to blame. Instead, there are several common causes of boating accidents that tend to result in damages, all of them related wholly or in part to the negligence of another individual.
Understanding what these causes are can help you stay vigilant and mitigate risk wherever possible when you’re boating. It can also help you ensure that you’re doing your best to mitigate risk for others, including your boating passengers and anybody else out in the waterways.
Keep reading to learn what causes the most boat collisions here in Florida, and contact our firm for a free case evaluation if you have been in a boat accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
Florida Boating Accidents by the Numbers
Data on Florida boating accidents is collected by the state’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which publishes annual reports on the causes of boat collisions and educates boaters on risks and safety practices. Here are some of the statistics shared in their 2023 report:
- Florida leads the country in registered boating vessels and in boating accidents
- There were 712 boating accidents in Florida in 2022, compared to 387 in California, which had the second most collisions
- July is the month with the highest number of reportable boating accidents
- June and September were the months with the highest number of fatal boating accidents
- 83% of boating operators involved in fatal accidents did not have a formal boater education
The report also notes that the vast majority of boating collisions in Florida occur when occupants are engaged in recreational cruising. That’s something to keep in mind, especially if you’re heading out on busy days like weekends or holidays.
What Causes the Most Boat Collisions? 6 Common Reasons for Florida Boating Accidents
Here are six of the most common causes of Florida boat collisions, according to the FWC.
1. Operator Inattention
Inattentive boat operators are the number one cause of Florida boat accidents and a danger to themselves, their passengers, and other boaters. Reasons for inattentiveness include talking with others, eating or drinking, or consulting maps, though there are plenty of other things that can take an operator’s attention off the water.
2. Operator Inexperience
In 2023, 14% of boat operators involved in accidents had less than 10 hours of boating experience. An inexperienced operator may struggle to properly drive the boat, navigate waterways and around other vessels, and/or respond in emergency situations, all of which can result in severe accidents and injuries.
3. Machinery or Equipment Failure
Sometimes it’s the vessel itself that causes an accident through malfunctions with the engine, steering, or other necessary machinery or equipment. While negligence is not always at play in these types of situations, it can be if the boat was not properly maintained or an issue was known about and not addressed.
4. Excessive Speed
There are no set speed limits for boats in Florida, but state law does prohibit operating a boat at a speed that could endanger people or property. Operating at a safe speed becomes increasingly important in narrow waterways and congested areas, as well as during poor weather conditions.
5. Alcohol or Drug Use
Substance use, particularly alcohol use, played a role in 23% of all Florida boating fatalities in 2022. Just like with any other motorized vehicle, it is illegal to boat under the influence, and doing so can lead to serious accidents and major physical, emotional, and/or financial damages.
6. Weather Conditions
Boaters cannot control the weather, but they are responsible for their actions in inclement weather conditions such as storms, wind, excessive waves, and poor visibility. These conditions can and do cause a significant number of boating collisions, and the onus is on boating operators to review the forecast before heading out and to get off the water if conditions are unfavorable.
What is the Leading Cause of Death in Boating Accidents in Florida?
Drowning is the leading cause of death in Florida boating accidents, accounting for 50% of boating fatalities in 2023. This is followed by collision with fixed objects and boaters falling overboard. You can greatly reduce your risk of death in a boating accident by wearing a life vest while on board.
What Type of Report Must be Filed if There is an Accident While Boating?
Florida maritime law dictates that a boat accident must be reported in writing to the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement if it meets one or more of the following conditions:
- It resulted in a fatality
- It resulted in the disappearance of someone who is presumed dead or injured
- It resulted in an injury requiring more than basic first aid
- It resulted in $2,000 or more in property damage
- It resulted in the total loss of the boating vessel
These reports help the FWC maintain accurate information about Florida’s boating accident rates and safety conditions. They are also used as evidence if you file a personal injury lawsuit.
Note that you must file a report within 24 hours of a boating accident resulting in death, 48 hours of a boating accident resulting in a disappearance or injury, and ten (10) days of a boating accident resulting in property damage.
Contact a Gordon & Partners Boat Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been in a boating accident caused by another individual’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Our skilled boat accident lawyers have extensive knowledge of Florida admiralty and maritime law and have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and an overview of your legal options.
