Boat Accident Lawyer Florida | Juan Cordero Lawyers

Boat Accident Attorney

Boat Accident Lawyer Florida

Florida leads the nation in boating accidents. Our maritime injury attorneys navigate complex admiralty law to recover maximum compensation for injured victims and their families.

Florida Boat Accident Lawyer: Maritime Law Experience When It Matters Most

Florida consistently leads the nation in registered vessels and boating accidents. With thousands of miles of coastline, rivers, lakes, and the Intracoastal Waterway, Florida's waters are among the most heavily trafficked in the world — and among the most dangerous.

Boating accidents are uniquely complex. Depending on where the accident occurred, your claim may be governed by federal maritime law (admiralty law), Florida state law, or both. The rules for filing, the parties who can be held liable, and the damages available differ significantly from standard personal injury cases.

Juan Cordero Lawyers has the maritime law experience to handle boat accident cases throughout Florida — from Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys to the St. Johns River and the Gulf Coast. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win.

What We Do For You

  • Investigate the accident and preserve vessel evidence
  • Obtain FWC and Coast Guard accident reports
  • Work with maritime and accident reconstruction experts
  • Identify all liable parties — operators, owners, and manufacturers
  • Navigate federal maritime law and Florida state law
  • Fight boat insurance companies for maximum compensation

Common Boat Accident Injuries

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spinal cord injury and paralysis
Propeller strike injuries
Drowning and near-drowning
Burns from fuel fires
Broken bones and fractures
Wrongful death
Carbon monoxide poisoning

Florida Boating Facts

  • Florida leads the nation in registered vessels — over 900,000
  • Florida consistently has the highest number of boating accidents in the U.S.
  • Operator inattention and inexperience are the leading causes of Florida boating accidents

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Florida Boat Accident Law Explained

Boat accident claims involve a unique intersection of federal maritime law and Florida state law. Understanding which applies — and how — is critical to your recovery.

Federal Maritime Law

Accidents on navigable waters of the U.S. may be governed by federal admiralty law. The Jones Act, Death on the High Seas Act, and general maritime negligence principles may apply — with different rules for damages and deadlines than Florida state law.

Reporting Requirements

Florida law requires boat operators to report accidents involving death, injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, or property damage over $2,000 to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). These reports are critical evidence.

BUI Liability

Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is illegal in Florida and constitutes strong evidence of negligence. A BUI arrest or conviction can support a claim for punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.

Boat Accident FAQ

What if I was a passenger on a charter boat or tour vessel?

Charter operators and tour companies owe passengers a heightened duty of care. If you were injured on a charter fishing boat, sightseeing vessel, or water taxi, the operator and the company may both be liable. These claims often involve commercial maritime insurance with higher policy limits than recreational boat policies.

Can I file a claim if a jet ski or personal watercraft hit me?

Yes. Personal watercraft (PWC) accidents are among the most common boating injuries in Florida. The operator of the PWC owes the same duty of care as any boat operator. If the operator was negligent — speeding, operating recklessly, or under the influence — they are liable for your injuries.

What if the boat that hit me was uninsured?

Florida does not require boat owners to carry liability insurance. If the responsible party is uninsured, recovery options may include your own boat insurance (if it includes uninsured watercraft coverage), your homeowner's or umbrella policy, or a direct judgment against the boat owner. An attorney can identify every available source of recovery.

Injured? Call Now for a Free Consultation.

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We come to you — home, hospital, or our offices.

Watch: Florida Boat Accident Law Explained

Attorney Juan Cordero explains maritime law, BUI liability, and how Florida boating accident claims differ from standard car accident cases.

Watch: Attorney Juan Cordero

Video coming soon — visit our YouTube channel for the latest legal guides

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Florida Boating Accident Claims — Maritime Law Explained

How federal maritime law and Florida statutes interact in boat accident cases — and who can be held liable.

More videos on our channel
Watch: Attorney Juan Cordero

Video coming soon — visit our YouTube channel for the latest legal guides

Subscribe

BUI in Florida — Boating Under the Influence Liability

How a BUI conviction strengthens your civil claim and what damages are recoverable.

More videos on our channel