State laws requires that scuba divers or snorkelers display a flag whenever they are in the water.
Divers-down flags must be either square or rectangular, red with a white diagonal stripe and have a stiffener to keep it unfurled and visible.
Flags must be displayed at all times when divers or snorkelers are in the water, including beach entry dive. The flag must be LOWERED when there are no divers in the water.
Flags that are towed on buoys or floats must be at least 12” x 12” in size.
On boats, flags are required to be at least 20” x 24” and must be displayed from the highest point of the boat that will present an unobstructed view from all directions.
The divers-down flag cannot be displayed in an area that would obstruct boat traffic or creates a hazard to navigation on any river, inlet, or channel, except in case of emergency.
Under state law, boaters must make reasonable efforts to stay 300 feet away from divers-down flags in open water and 100 feet away in rivers, inlets, and navigation channels. Boaters approaching flags closer than these distances must slow their boat to idle speed, or the minimum speed necessary to maintain forward motion and maneuverability.
Divers and snorkelers must make reasonable efforts to stay within the 300 feet limit of their flag in open water, and within 100 feet in rivers, inlets, and channels.
"Buzzing" a dive flag has been added to the description of Florida State Statute 327.331(6), Reckless Operation of a Vessel, which is a 1st degree misdemeanor and punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to 6 months in jail. Two convictions within 12 months of any dive flag violation will trigger the boater education course requirement.
Divers-down flag violations (other than buzzing a dive flag) are now civil violations and subject to a $50 civil penalty.
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