Senate Bill 1162 has taken effect in Florida, following its signing into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in late May.
The legislation, developed and led by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) — a trade association representing boat, marine engine and accessory manufacturers in North America — focuses on improving public boating access across Florida. It represents the first state-level infrastructure expansion initiative of its kind from the organisation.
The new law extends the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Boating Improvement Program to include upland infrastructure. This encompasses areas such as parking facilities at public boat ramps. The legislation also addresses access to the water, which NMMA members have identified as a recurring challenge for boaters.
A total of $3m has been allocated in the state budget to support these infrastructure upgrades, including the addition or enhancement of parking facilities.
The law also expands Florida’s Clean Marina Program to incorporate marine manufacturers. Under this provision, businesses that achieve designation as Clean Marinas, Clean Boatyards, Clean Marine Manufacturers or Clean Marine Retailers will receive a 10 per cent reduction in sovereign submerged land lease fees. This is designed to encourage better adoption of environmentally responsible practices and support the development of on-water testing facilities by manufacturers.
“This bill is a direct response to the needs our members have raised around access and sustainability,” says Ben Murray, NMMA’s director of state government relations. “We are proud to have worked alongside Florida’s legislative leaders to ensure that boating remains a thriving part of the state’s economy and culture for generations to come.”
In a statement, NMMA acknowledged the efforts of Senator Tom Leek and Representative Robert Brackett for their involvement in advancing the bill and supporting the state’s recreational boating sector.
The news comes after Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1388, also known as the Boater Freedom Act, into law in May 2025. The legislation introduces changes to vessel inspection procedures, local regulatory authority over vessel types and safety compliance programmes for boaters in the state of Florida.
The post Florida expands boating infrastructure and clean marina policy appeared first on Marine Industry News.
Leave a Reply