Florida No-Wake Zone Accident Lawyer
Holding Negligent Boaters Accountable Nationwide
With over 25 years of experience in maritime injury litigation, we understand the legal and practical challenges no-wake zone cases involve, and we are here to help.
Comprehensive Legal Support for No-Wake Zone Boating Accidents
When boaters ignore Florida’s no-wake zone rules, the consequences can be life-altering. At Scolaro Law, we represent clients injured in no-wake zone accidents throughout Florida. Whether you are a passenger who was violently thrown into the air and suffered devastating injuries upon landing hard inside the vessel, or a swimmer thrown underwater by a rogue wake or a family whose docked boat was slammed by a speeding vessel, we are here to help you recover.
What Is a No-Wake Zone?
Florida’s waterways are dotted with idle speed, slow speed, and vessel exclusion zones designed to keep swimmers, paddlers, waterfront property, and marine life safe. These laws are enforced under Florida Statute § 327.46 and apply across coastal areas, lakes, rivers, and canals.
Types of No-Wake Zones:
- Idle Speed – No Wake: Only enough throttle to maintain steering; boats should sit flat in the water and leave no visible wake.
- Slow Speed – Minimum Wake: Must be off-plane and settled in the water. A raised bow or visible wake usually means a violation.
- Vessel Exclusion Zones: Areas where no boats are allowed, such as near beaches, swimming areas, or sensitive habitats.
- Posted Speed Zones: Often 25–35 MPH in areas where large wakes could cause damage even at modest speeds.
How No-Wake Zone Violations Cause Serious Harm
When vessels speed through designated no-wake zones, the sudden jolt or surge of water can throw passengers off balance or overboard, resulting in serious harm. Victims may suffer concussions, brain injuries, compression fractures, spinal cord trauma, or even paralysis. Broken bones, deep lacerations from impact or propellers, and internal injuries are also common. In the worst cases, these accidents can lead to near-drowning or hypothermia, especially if rescue is delayed.
Common Wake-Related Accidents:
- Passengers Thrown Overboard: Sudden waves launch riders out of their seats.
- Small Craft Capsizing: Kayaks, jet skis, and fishing boats overturned by unexpected wakes.
- Dock Collisions: Wakes push boats into docks, pilings, or each other, injuring passengers and damaging vessels.
- Swimmer Injuries: Wakes knock swimmers into walls, rocks, or other people, often causing head or spinal trauma.
While the law improves safety, attorney Tom Scolaro has criticized its limited scope and lack of enforcement. It fails to require inspections and permits repeat violators to continue operating. Still, it lays the groundwork for holding negligent operators legally accountable.
No-Wake Zone Violation
$500,000
A boat passenger was launched into the air when her vessel crossed the large wake of another boat in a designated no-wake zone. She suffered a serious spinal cord injury upon landing. We proved the other operator violated posted restrictions and secured a substantial settlement to support her ongoing care.
Excessive Boating Speed
$700,000
While riding as a guest on a recreational boat, our client was injured when the captain operated at excessive speed in a congested area. She fell violently, crushing her hip. We held the operator accountable and recovered significant compensation for her pain, surgeries, and lost income.
Fall During Boat Tour Excursion
$250,000
During a cruise ship boating excursion, a passenger slipped and fell which resulted in a leg injury. We pursued the cruise line and resolved the case efficiently in our client’s favor.
Legal Liability in Florida No-Wake Zone Cases
Under Florida Statute § 327.46, operating a vessel in a no-wake zone without following posted restrictions is considered negligence per se, meaning the operator is automatically at fault if their violation causes injury.
At Scolaro Law, we do more than prove a violation. Based in Miami, we bring decades of boating case experience and partner with top marine experts to build strong, evidence-backed claims. Our team works closely with elite marine accident reconstruction experts, former law enforcement officers, and specialized maritime engineers to build airtight cases.
Our Accident Examination Process
- Analyzing GPS tracking data and AIS logs to verify vessel speed and course
- Examining hull design and wake patterns to confirm what speed and wake size a vessel should produce
- Reviewing weather, tide, and visibility conditions to counter defense claims
- Investigating the operator’s training, licensing, and prior violations
- Collecting and analyzing video footage from onboard cameras, drones, nearby marinas, and fellow boaters
- Documenting any failure of proper signage or warnings
Local No-Wake Zone Rules Make Compliance Even More Critical
In Florida, many counties and cities have their own no-wake zone rules, which are often stricter than state laws and approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. These regulations may change based on the season, time of day, or specific waterway.
Boaters are legally required to follow all posted restrictions, including local variations. Operators who are unfamiliar with the area or ignore signage can cause serious harm and be held legally responsible.
Where No-Wake Zone Accidents Happen in Florida
We handle cases across Florida’s coastal and inland waters, including:
- South Florida: Miami canals, Biscayne Bay, New River (Fort Lauderdale), Intracoastal from Palm Beach to Key West
- Southwest Florida: Caloosahatchee River, Naples, Sarasota, Fort Myers
- Tampa Bay & Central Gulf Coast: Hillsborough Bay, Clearwater, St. Pete, Manatee River
- Northeast Florida: St. Johns River, Intracoastal through Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Flagler
- The Keys: From Largo to Key West, where fragile coral reefs and shallow flats require strict wake control
Who Can Be Held Liable in No-Wake Zone Accidents?
Determining liability in a no-wake zone accident can involve multiple parties, each potentially responsible for your injuries and damages. At Scolaro Law, we investigate all possible sources of fault to maximize your recovery and perform a comprehensive review to identify additional potential defendants beyond the operator or owner. Our goal is to leave no stone unturned in pursuing every available avenue of recovery on your behalf.
Damages We Pursue in No-Wake Zone Injury Lawsuits
At Scolaro Law, we fight to recover full and fair compensation for those injured by no-wake zone violations. Victims of wake-related boating accidents may be entitled to recover:
Economic Losses
- Emergency medical treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Future medical costs and assistive care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage (to vessels, gear, or docks)
Non-Economic Losses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Punitive Damages
In cases involving reckless speeding, boating under the influence, or repeat no-wake zone violations, we may also seek punitive damages to deter future misconduct.
Your Partner in Navigating Complex Parasailing Litigation
Why Clients Choose Scolaro Law
With decades of experience in maritime and boating injury cases, our team knows how to handle the complexities of no-wake zone accidents. We understand the local laws, the risks, and the serious consequences when careless operation causes harm. At Scolaro Law, we fight for justice, accountability, and the full compensation our clients deserve.
25+ Years of Personal Injury Experience
We’ve recovered over $500 million for clients, including major boating and no-wake zone injury cases across Florida.
Maritime Law Knowledge
From state statutes to federal maritime rules, we know how to navigate every layer of boating liability.
Relentless Investigation
We move quickly to gather evidence, consult marine experts, and build a strong case from day one.
Transparent Fee Structure
We handle boating and no wake-zone injury cases on a contingency basis. Our clients never pay us anything.
Recent Blog Posts
Contact Scolaro Law Today
When you retain our firm, you get more than just one lawyer. You get a dedicated team that understands these waters and will fight tirelessly on your behalf.
"*" indicates required fields
