PDATE 05/23/2017: Our Beacon Bill was made permanent in legislation passed by Florida lawmakers and signed by Gov. Scott. Under the law, discounted registration fees for boats with a registered EPIRB or PLB have become a permanent option for Florida boaters.
“Just two years ago, we suffered the heartbreaking loss of two teenagers after sailing from the Jupiter Inlet,” Gov. Scott said. “This important legislation encourages the use of safety measures to ensure this kind of tragedy never happens again.”
Click here for details on EPIRB and PLB Incentives.
An extension of the “Beacon Bill” has won unanimous and enthusiastic approval from the Florida House and Senate. House Bill 711 offers Florida boat owners a discounted vessel registration fee if they install and register an EPIRB (emergency position-indicating radio beacon) on their boat. With this approval, the discount will be extended until the Summer of 2019.
Republican state Rep. MaryLynn Magar of Tequesta said that the goal of the bill is to encourage wide-spread use of devices like EPIRBs which can help lead Coast Guard and other search-and-rescue authorities to the location of boaters in distress.
Speaking before the House Oversight Committee, Austin’s Dad Blu Stephanos said, “This bill means a very lot to me and my family, to the foundation, and to my son, who’s not here. I have put a lot of thought, more than anyone, into what could happen here, and what could make a difference.” He continued, “And the only thing that could have made a difference that day, in my mind, to this day, is having a beacon on the boat.”
Lakeland Republican state Representative Colleen Burton told how her own son, Tim was rescued just this past December. “The reason Tim and his friend Billy were rescued, was because they had a personal locating beacon,” Burton said. “This is real life. It saves lives.”
Thank you Rep. MaryLynn Magar, Sen. Joe Negron and all the members of the Florida House & Senate!
Visit this website for details and eligibility: https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/vessels/epirb-plb-incentives/
