House approves boater safety discounts

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The House unanimously backed a measure Wednesday that would provide annual vessel-registration fee discounts for boaters.

The bill (HB 427), sponsored by Rep. MaryLynn Magar, R-Tequesta, would provide discounts of about 25 percent for boaters who have purchased and registered emergency locator devices.

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Magar and Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, introduced the proposal after Austin Stephanos and Perry Cohen, two 14-year-olds from Tequesta, went missing in July after steering a 19-foot boat out of the Jupiter Inlet into the Atlantic Ocean.

State economists have projected the discount would save boaters $250,000 next year.

Under the proposal, the discount would be given to anyone who has or buys an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) device.

The devices cost between $200 and $1,500, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

To be activated, a device must be registered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Senate companion (SB 746) awaits an Appropriations Committee hearing.