Miami Drunk Boating Accident Lawyer

Alcohol-Related Boating Accidents in Florida

With decades of experience handling personal injury cases on Florida’s waterways, we help injured clients navigate the legal process and obtain the compensation they deserve.

Trust Scolaro Law with Your Personal Injury Case

Florida’s waterways offer freedom, beauty, and unforgettable experiences for boaters and their families. But when alcohol is involved, those experiences can quickly turn tragic. Alcohol consumption increases the chance of being involved in a boating accident by approximately 300%. Drinking while operating a boat is the leading cause of fatal boating accidents in Florida. 

Our experienced team understands the impact alcohol-related boating accidents have on victims and their loved ones. We hold impaired operators accountable and fight for the rights and compensation of our clients.

Alcohol-Related Boating Accidents: A Leading Cause of Injury and Death on Florida Waters

Alcohol use remains the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents nationwide and nowhere is this problem more pronounced than in Florida. According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics, alcohol was identified as the primary cause in 20% of all boating-related deaths where the cause was known. In total, 244 alcohol-related boating incidents led to 92 deaths and 192 injuries across the country in 2024 alone. Alcohol use accounted for three times as many boating deaths as excessive speed and twice as many as operator inexperience or inattention.

Florida leads the nation in these tragic statistics: in 2024, 24 alcohol-related boating deaths occurred in Florida waters, five times more than any other state. Florida also recorded 44 alcohol-related boating incidents, double that of any other jurisdiction. Despite awareness campaigns, the dangers of alcohol use on the water are a recurring and deadly reality on Florida’s waterways.

Why Injured Victims and Families Turn to Scolaro Law After Boating Tragedies

Featured Result: $1.325 Million Settlement in Fatal Nighttime Boating Accident

One of our most heartbreaking cases arose from a tragic alcohol-related boating accident on a Florida lake. Our client was a 20-year-old passenger, a college student simply enjoying her summer break during an evening with friends at a private home on the water. What started as a casual gathering ended in disaster when alcohol and poor decisions collided.

That evening, a married couple hosted our client and several other friends at their lakeside home. Over the course of the night, alcohol flowed freely, and everyone, including the hosts, had been drinking. Later, despite having consumed too much to safely operate a vessel, the husband offered to take the group for a ride on the couple’s boat, which was docked in their backyard. Trusting the hosts, the group boarded the boat for what they thought would be a slow and safe outing.

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How Alcohol Increases Risks on the Water

Alcohol impairs a vessel operator’s ability to safely control and navigate, creating significant dangers for everyone involved. Specifically, alcohol can:

  • Reduce balance and coordination – Waves, currents, and steering require constant adjustments, but alcohol weakens muscle control.
  • Slow reaction time – Hazards like swimmers, other boats, and sudden weather changes demand quick responses that alcohol delays.
  • Impair judgment – Safe boating depends on smart decisions about speed, distance, and risk, which alcohol clouds.
  • Affect vision – Alcohol can blur vision and reduce depth perception, making it harder to see and avoid obstacles.
  • Cause fatigue – Sleepiness and loss of focus increase the risk of accidents.

These effects don’t just endanger the operator, they put everyone at risk:

  • Other boaters and swimmers are more likely to be hit or involved in collisions.
  • Passengers on the same boat face risks of being thrown overboard or injured if the vessel strikes rocks, docks, or shoreline structures.

Because alcohol severely reduces awareness and control, Florida law holds impaired boat operators responsible for the harm their actions cause.

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Florida Law on Alcohol and Boating

Florida law makes it clear: boat operators must stay sober. Under Florida Statute § 327.35, operating a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher or while impaired is considered Boating Under the Influence (BUI). Evidence of impairment can also establish negligence in a civil lawsuit for injuries or wrongful death.

Other statutes reinforce this duty. Section 327.32 prohibits reckless operation, and Section 327.33 requires reasonable care to avoid accidents. Florida also has an implied consent law (§ 327.352), meaning operators who refuse alcohol testing can face added civil consequences.

Importantly, these rules apply to operators, not passengers. Passengers of legal drinking age may consume alcohol on a boat, but the operator must remain sober at all times. Violating alcohol-related boating laws can lead to serious civil liability. These statutes set clear safety standards, and breaking them provides strong grounds for holding negligent operators accountable.

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Common Injuries in Alcohol-Related Boating Accidents

Alcohol-related boating accidents often result in severe injuries due to the impaired operator’s inability to control the vessel safely. These accidents tend to involve high-impact collisions, capsizing, or falls overboard, which can cause catastrophic harm. Common injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Sudden impacts can cause concussions or permanent brain damage, leading to cognitive and physical disabilities.
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: Severe trauma can result in partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering a victim’s quality of life.
  • Broken bones and fractures: High impact crashes or falls often cause fractures that require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
  • Severe lacerations and cuts: Propellers, glass, or debris can cause deep wounds needing immediate medical attention.
  • Internal organ damage: Blunt force trauma may injure vital organs, leading to life-threatening complications.
  • Drowning and near-drowning incidents: Impaired operators increase the risk of passengers falling overboard or capsizing, leading to drowning or severe water-related injuries.
  • Soft tissue injuries and burns: Impact with boat surfaces or fuel-related fires can cause burns or muscle injuries.
  • Psychological trauma: Survivors and witnesses often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
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Who Does Scolaro Law Pursue in Alcohol-Related Boating Accident Cases?

Holding the responsible parties accountable is crucial to obtaining justice and compensation. Our experienced boating accident attorneys thoroughly explore all avenues to identify liable parties:

  • The intoxicated vessel operator: As the person responsible for safe navigation, the operator’s impaired judgment and actions are often central to liability.
  • Boat owners and employers: Owners may be liable if they permitted a known intoxicated individual to operate the vessel. In commercial settings, employers can be responsible for negligent hiring or supervision.
  • Other boaters or passengers: If others contributed to negligence, such as reckless behavior or failure to intervene, they can share liability.
  • Dram shop establishments: Bars, restaurants, or liquor stores that knowingly serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons who then operate boats can face liability under Florida’s dram shop laws.
  • Private hosts and social hosts: Individuals who provide alcohol to guests before boating may be held liable if those guests cause accidents due to intoxication. This includes private parties and social gatherings.
  • Manufacturers or maintenance providers: In some cases, defective equipment or poor vessel maintenance can contribute to accidents, adding another layer of potential liability.
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Your Partner in Navigating Complex Parasailing Litigation

Why Clients Choose Scolaro Law

When it comes to alcohol-related boating accidents, having experienced and dedicated legal counsel makes all the difference. At Scolaro Law, we combine decades of courtroom experience with a proven record of holding negligent boat operators accountable. Our team fights tirelessly to maximize compensation for victims and their families, ensuring justice is pursued at every stage of the legal process.

Extensive Maritime Experience

Over 25 years of handling complex personal injury cases involving boating accidents and alcohol impairment.

Deep Knowledge of Florida Boating Laws

Expertise in both state statutes and local regulations affecting liability and damages.

Client-Centered Approach

Compassionate support and clear communication throughout every step of the legal process.

No Fees Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront and only if we recover compensation on your behalf.

    What Our Clients Are Saying

    “My family and I are extremely blessed to have had Tom and his team represent us during the most difficult time of our lives.”

    Tom’s tireless work ethic was evident, revealed to us through constant communication and updates throughout the lengthy process. Tom handled our case as I would have handled it, if I had his legal expertise, with relentless determination, ferociousness, professionalism and integrity. That being said, his kindness, compassion and transparent genuine dedication to me and my family showed in every interaction. For whomever is reading this, and is considering being represented by him and his team, I will leave you with this, making this decision can and will alter the trajectory of your life. It has for me and my family, I wish you well, choose wisely.

    Fran

    What Our Clients Are Saying

    “Highly Talented, Honest, Compassionate Lawyer”

    My wife suffered a serious injury when we were visiting Miami. We hired an injury lawyer who failed to get us a satisfactory settlement after many months. We transferred our case to Tom and his team. Tom, Renaud and the rest of the team care deeply about their clients and go far beyond the client/attorney relationship. Our experience with Tom and Renaud was very satisfactory from the first moment we consulted with Tom. Tom and Renaud always responded quickly and effectively to all our questions. They did a brilliant work investigating and researching evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing for mediation. Tom hired a professional photographer to produce a short documentary video to highlight the amount of pain and suffering which my wife and every member of our family have suffered due to the injury. This video in addition to the many talents of Tom have ensured the satisfactory settlement which we got. Tom helped us to achieve a very satisfactory settlement, which was more than double what our first attorney managed to negotiate. The amount of investigation and research which Tom and Renaud put in our case was unbelievable. The way and strategy that Tom used to negotiated with the insurance company was amazing. Tom is an honest, compassionate, and extremely talented attorney, and above all he is a great negotiator. I would highly recommend him, and his amazing team, to anyone who needs a personal injury lawyer. 

    O.R.

    What Our Clients Are Saying

    “I would highly recommend Scolaro Law to anyone that needs someone on their side.”

    Tom and his whole team were great. My suit took a long time, and they explained and guided me through every step. They were patient and kind, and made sure it was as easy for me as they possibly could. They didn’t just care about how much of a settlement they could get; they cared about the bottom dollar for Me. They didn’t just work the case; they understood it. Their knowledge of the legal system, what works and what doesn’t, is hard to find. I would highly recommend Scolaro Law to anyone that needs someone on their side.

    Maria

    What Our Clients Are Saying

    “It was truly a pleasure to work with all the team of Scolaro Law.”

    From our very first consultation, Thomas Scolaro was knowledgeable, compassionate, and genuinely invested in my case. Tom and his legal assistant Barbie took the time to explain every step of the legal process, ensuring I fully understood my options and potential outcomes. They were always prompt in responding to any questions or concerns I had, making me feel supported and well-informed throughout. Thomas’s expertise and dedication truly showed in the handling of my case. He fought tirelessly to achieve the best possible result, and thanks to hard work of all Scolaro law team, the outcome exceeded my expectations. It was clear that the team not only knew the law inside and out but also genuinely cared about my well-being. If you’re looking for a professional, compassionate, and highly skilled attorney, I wholeheartedly recommend Thomas Scolaro and I am grateful to have had him by my side.

    Nataliia

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Contact Scolaro Law Today

Alcohol involved boating accidents traumatic and complicated. If you were involved in such a terrible incident, you need to speak with a lawyer who understands both the human impact and the legal landscape. At Scolaro Law, we combine compassion, urgency, and courtroom strength to fight for your right to be compensated and hold all responsible parties accountable.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Florida law allows refusal to be used as evidence of impairment in civil cases, which can strengthen your claim for damages.

Potentially. Florida’s dram shop laws and premises liability can hold alcohol providers responsible if they served someone visibly intoxicated who then caused injury.

The statute of limitations in Florida is generally two years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims. Acting promptly helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case.

You may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, future care costs, and, in some cases, punitive damages.

Boat owners can face significant liability for allowing impaired or inexperienced operators to use their vessels, especially when they provided alcohol or created the dangerous conditions that led to the accident.

Complex cases involving multiple operators require thorough investigation to determine who was in control during the accident and what liability each party bears. Such situations can actually expand potential recovery sources for injured victims.

Multiple insurance policies may apply, including boat owner’s liability coverage, homeowner’s insurance, and umbrella policies. While most standard homeowner’s insurance policies exclude boating accidents, legal assistance is crucial for identifying all available coverage sources and maximizing recovery.