FWC Increases Personnel to Get Ready for a Busy Memorial Day Weekend

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Officers from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission will be actively patrolling Tampa Bay this Memorial Day weekend, which is anticipated to be one of the busiest for boating. Capt. Matt DallaRosa confirmed that all available personnel are on duty, with some officers having their days off canceled to ensure maximum coverage.

“Our officers when they’re out patrolling are always looking for those probable cause based violations,” DallaRosa noted. “Ultimately, we’re trying to keep boaters safe by ensuring compliance with speed zones and preventing reckless boating.”

If violations are observed, officers will respond in accordance with state laws. DallaRosa recommended creating a boating plan for a safer experience. This plan should include checking tides, staying updated on weather conditions, ensuring safety equipment is onboard, and notifying someone on land about your planned return time.

Memorial Day weekend serves as the last major holiday before the new Boater Freedom Act takes effect on July 1. Until then, FWC and local law enforcement retain the authority to board boats without probable cause for suspected violations. Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized that this measure aims to resolve concerns regarding law enforcement’s approach towards individuals on the water. He likened it to how individuals on land cannot be stopped or searched without probable cause, advocating for similar standards on the water.

“To go in without any basis is not the way we want to do it in the State of Florida,” DeSantis asserted, remarking that it has created unnecessary tension between the boating community and law enforcement.” DallaRosa indicated that, even before the law takes effect, FWC is beginning to synchronize with this philosophy.