(1) A person may operate a human-powered vessel within the boundaries of the marked channel of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway as defined in s. 327.02:
(a) When the marked channel is the only navigable portion of the waterway available due to vessel congestion or obstructions on the water. The operator of the human-powered vessel shall proceed with diligence to a location where he or she may safely operate the vessel outside the marked channel of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway.
(b) When crossing the marked channel, provided that the crossing is done in the most direct, continuous, and expeditious manner possible and does not interfere with other vessel traffic in the channel.
(c) When participating in practices or competitions for interscholastic, intercollegiate, intramural, or club rowing teams affiliated with an educational institution identified in s. 1000.21, s. 1002.01(3), s. 1003.01(17), s. 1005.02(4), or s. 1005.03(1)(d), if the adjacent area outside of the marked channel is not suitable for such practice or competition. The teams must use their best efforts to make use of the adjacent area outside of the marked channel. The commission must be notified in writing of the details of any such competition, and the notification must include, but need not be limited to, the date, time, and location of the competition.
(d) During an emergency endangering life or limb.
(2) A person may not operate a human-powered vessel in the marked channel of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway except as provided in subsection (1).
(3) A person who violates this section commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable as provided in s. 327.73.
History.—s. 9, ch. 2021-184; s. 5, ch. 2022-142; s. 67, ch. 2023-8; s. 3, ch. 2023-16.
