Florida statute
Fla. Stat. § 843.18 — Boats; fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer
Current through 2025 Florida Statutes
Part of Chapter 843: Obstructing Justice, Florida Statutes.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Fla. Stat. § 843.18
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) 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.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is boats; fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
Boats; fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer is a Felony of the Third Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 843.18.
Which Florida statute covers boats; fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer?
Boats; fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer is governed by Fla. Stat. § 843.18 (Boats; fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.