Chapter 843 Section 18 - 2023 Florida Statutes

2023 Florida Statutes

Title XLVI CRIMES

Chapter 843 OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE

SECTION 18Boats; fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer.

843.18 Boats; fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer.—

(1) It is unlawful for the operator of any boat plying the waters of the state, having knowledge that she or he has been directed to stop such vessel by a duly authorized law enforcement officer, willfully to refuse or fail to stop in compliance with such directive or, having stopped in knowing compliance with such a directive, willfully to flee in an attempt to elude such officer. Any person violating this section is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(2) Any violation of this section with respect to any vessel shall constitute such vessel as contraband which may be seized by a law enforcement agency and which shall be subject to forfeiture pursuant to ss. 932.701-932.704.

History.—s. 1, ch. 80-160; s. 1, ch. 82-210; s. 29, ch. 87-243; s. 11, ch. 87-392; s. 1347, ch. 97-102.