Florida statute
Fla. Stat. § 782.072 — Vessel homicide
Current through 2025 Florida Statutes
Part of Chapter 782: Homicide, Florida Statutes.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Fla. Stat. § 782.072
Statutory text current through the 2025 Florida Statutes. This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Florida.
(1) As used in this section, the term:(a) “Unborn child” has the same meaning as in s. 775.021(5)(e).(b) “Vessel homicide” means the killing of a human being, including the death of an unborn child caused by injury to the mother, by the operation of a vessel as defined in s. 327.02 by another in a reckless manner likely to cause the death of, or great bodily harm to, another.
(2) Vessel homicide is:(a) A felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.(b) A felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, if:1. At the time of the accident, the person knew, or should have known, that the accident occurred; and2. The person failed to give information and render aid as required by s. 327.30(1).This subsection does not require that the person knew that the accident resulted in injury or death.
(3) A felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, if the person has a prior conviction under this section, s. 316.193(3)(c)3., 1s. 327.35(3)(a)3.c., or s. 782.071.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is vessel homicide a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
It depends on the circumstances: vessel homicide ranges from a Felony of the Second Degree to a Felony of the First Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 782.072.
Vessel homicide — base offense: Felony of the Second Degree (Fla. Stat. § 782.072(2)(a)) · Vessel homicide — failure to render aid after known accident: Felony of the First Degree (Fla. Stat. § 782.072(2)(b))
Which Florida statute covers vessel homicide?
Vessel homicide is governed by Fla. Stat. § 782.072 (Vessel homicide).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.