It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Florida State statutes also prohibit operating a boat while under the influence. The same general limits apply to boating under the influence (BUI) cases as to driving under the influence (DUI) cases.
Individuals who have a blood alcohol concentration BAC of 0.08% or higher while operating a boat could be at risk of criminal prosecution if they get caught. Given that the limits that apply are roughly the same, people may worry that the penalties are identical as well.
Those convicted of a DUI offense in Florida risk the suspension of their driver’s licenses in addition to facing incarceration and financial penalties. Do those accused of BUI offenses have to worry about losing their driving privileges or their right to operate a boat?
The effects on boating privileges
Technically, Florida does not require a license to operate a marine vessel. Anyone intending to operate about with 10 horsepower or more simply needs to attend and pass an educational course about boating safety. However, even though a license isn’t necessary, boating may not be possible after a BUI conviction. The state can impound the vessel as one of the penalties for a conviction. A first BUI offense can lead to the state impounding a vessel for 10 days. Those with repeat offenses who face felony BUI charges could lose access to their vessels for up to 90 days after the defendant serves their sentence.
The effects on driving privileges
A BUI charge does not automatically impact driving privileges. A driver’s license suspension is not a standard penalty imposed by the courts. However, the history of having a BUI offense can impact an individual’s driving privileges later in life. Anyone arrested for a later DUI offense faces penalties and charges based on their prior record. A prior BUI conviction can influence the penalties handed down in a subsequent DUI case.
The potential loss of access to a marine vessel, and the risk of licensing penalties in the future, may make fighting a pending BUI offense a worthwhile undertaking. More broadly, learning more about Florida’s laws about impaired driving and voting can be beneficial for those who enjoy alcohol occasionally.
