BOATING ACCIDENT REPORTS

Any accident involving death, disappearance or personal injury, or damage of $2000 or greater must be reported.

1. Report accidents to the nearest office of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission when:
1. A person dies;
2. A person is injured and receives medical treatment beyond first aid;
3. Damage to the vessel and other property damage totals $2000 or greater; or
4. A person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury.
2. A report required by this section must be made -
1. Within 48 hours of the occurrence if a person dies within 24 hours of the occurrence;
2. Within 48 hours of the occurrence if a person is injured and receives medical treatment beyond first aid; and
3. Within 10 days of the occurrence if an earlier report is not required by this paragraph.

• When the operator of a vessel cannot submit the casualty or accident required report, the owner shall submit the casualty or accident report.

Each required report must be in writing, dated upon completion, and signed by the person who prepared it.

• When the operator of a vessel cannot give the notice required, the owner of the vessel shall make notification or determine that the notice has been given.

It is unlawful for any person operating a vessel involved in a boating accident to leave the scene without giving all possible aid to the involved persons and without reporting the accident to the proper authorities.