Watercraft Restrictions Based on Energy Source

Plain English Breakdown

The bill's status as 'Passed Legislature' does not reflect its current legislative standing since it died in committee. The effective date is provided but may be subject to change due to the bill's current status.

Watercraft Energy Source Rules

This bill allows state agencies and local governments to restrict the use of watercraft based on their energy source if they are used in certain bodies of water, but not for sale restrictions.

What This Bill Does

• Allows state agencies, governmental entities, and local governments to limit the use of watercraft powered by specific types of energy sources if such watercraft is used on particular lakes, reservoirs, drainage ponds, or detention/retention ponds necessary for protecting water quality.

Who It Names or Affects

• State agencies
• Local governments and municipalities
• Watercraft users

Terms To Know

Energy Source

The type of fuel or power used to run a watercraft, such as gasoline, electric batteries, or other propulsion methods.

Detention/Retention Pond

A pond designed to hold and manage stormwater runoff to prevent flooding and protect water quality.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify which types of energy sources are restricted or allowed.
• It is unclear how these restrictions will be enforced or what penalties might apply for non-compliance.

Official Summary Text

Watercraft Restrictions Based on Energy Source; Authorizes state agencies, governmental entities, & local governments to restrict use of watercraft based on energy source used to power watercraft if such watercraft is used on certain bodies of water.

Current Bill Text

HB 545 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb545-00
Page 1 of 2
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

A bill to be entitled 1
An act relating to watercraft restrictions based on 2
energy source; amending s. 327.75, F.S.; authorizing 3
state agencies, governmental entities, and local 4
governments to restrict the use of a watercraft based 5
on the energy source used to power the watercraft if 6
such watercraft is used on certain bodies of water; 7
providing an effective date. 8
9
Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 10
11
Section 1. Subsection (3) of section 327.75, Florida 12
Statutes, is amended to read: 13
327.75 Watercraft Energy Source Freedom Act.— 14
(3) PROHIBITION ON RESTRICTIONS BASED ON ENERGY SOURCE.—15
(a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a state 16
agency, municipality, governmental entity, or county may not 17
restrict the use or sale of a watercraft based on the energy 18
source used to power the watercraft, including an energy source 19
used for propulsion or used for powering other functions of the 20
watercraft. 21
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to any lake, reservoir, 22
drainage pond, or a detention or retention pond necessary for 23
the preservation or protection of such waters from 24
contamination. 25

HB 545 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb545-00
Page 2 of 2
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026. 26