Tell Florida to Stop Helping Poachers and Start Defending Our Waters

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Sponsor: Free The Ocean

A new Florida law has opened the floodgates to unchecked poaching, reckless boating, and habitat destruction—putting marine life, fragile springs, and enforcement officers in serious jeopardy.

Tell Florida to Stop Helping Poachers and Start Defending Our Waters

A new Florida law called the Boater Freedom Act has stripped wildlife officers of one of their most effective tools for protecting marine ecosystems: the ability to conduct random vessel checks on the water. Without that power, poachers and reckless boaters now have more freedom to break the law—unchecked1.

These inspections weren’t about harassment—they were about conservation. They allowed officers to stop illegal fishing before it caused damage, to catch offenders in the act, and to protect endangered species and fragile habitats from harm1. Now, officers can only act when they witness clear violations, which often isn’t possible until it’s too late.

Springs and Seagrass Left Exposed

The law also raises the standard for creating Springs Protection Zones. Agencies must now prove “significant harm” and show boating is the main cause of that harm before establishing protections for Florida’s freshwater springs and the habitats they support2. As a result, a proposed protection zone at Silver Glen Springs was withdrawn before the law even took effect3.

This policy change sets a dangerous precedent. If agencies can’t act until after the damage is undeniable and severe, our most sensitive ecosystems will continue to deteriorate—unchecked and undefended.

Reckless Boating and Poaching Will Rise

Boating captains and conservationists across Florida are raising alarm bells. They worry that illegal harvesting of fish, destruction of seagrass beds, and disregard for speed zones will increase as oversight dwindles4. Enforcement officers warn that crimes like poaching and smuggling may now go unnoticed—because under the new law, even suspicious behavior isn’t enough to justify a stop6.

Our Waters Deserve Better

Florida’s springs, estuaries, and coastal habitats are among its greatest treasures. They support wildlife, protect against erosion, and fuel tourism and fishing economies. Weakening enforcement and rolling back protections only benefits those who exploit our natural resources at everyone else’s expense.

This isn’t about limiting freedom—it’s about preserving the freedom to enjoy clean, vibrant, life-filled waters for generations to come.

Add your name. Call on Governor DeSantis to revise the Boater Freedom Act and restore the tools we need to protect Florida’s marine ecosystems.

More on this issue:

  1. Jack Prator, Tampa Bay Times (1 Jul 2025), "Florida’s Boater Freedom Act could harm fisheries, impede conservation, critics say."
  2. Douglas Soule, WUSF (23 May 2025), "Boater groups praise a new law that environmental groups worry limits Florida spring protections."
  3. Staff, Bay News 9 (15 Jul 2025), "New Boater Freedom Act creating waves amongst local captains."
  4. Staff, ClickOrlando (23 May 2025), "New Florida boating law limits search powers. Here’s what to know."

The Petition

Dear Governor,

We, the undersigned, respectfully urge you to amend the Boater Freedom Act to restore essential enforcement powers to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers. As it stands, the law prohibits random vessel checks without probable cause, removing a vital tool used to stop illegal fishing, protect sensitive habitats, and safeguard endangered species.

Florida's marine ecosystems—its seagrass beds, springs, and fisheries—are irreplaceable. They support biodiversity, fuel tourism, and sustain coastal communities. Without the ability to inspect vessels at sea, poachers and reckless actors may exploit loopholes, causing long-term damage to fish populations and fragile habitats. Already, we’ve seen a chilling effect on new protection zones for springs, putting conservation efforts at risk before irreversible harm occurs.

Conservation isn’t about restricting freedom—it’s about protecting a shared natural legacy. Responsible boating and environmental protection can coexist, but only with effective oversight.

By revising the Boater Freedom Act to allow targeted, proactive enforcement in ecologically sensitive areas, your administration can ensure Florida remains a place where both freedom and responsibility thrive.

This action will preserve our marine resources for future generations, strengthen public safety on the water, and secure a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Sincerely,

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