§ 114-34. Reckless or careless operation of vessel; vessels operated as part of a race or regatta authorized by F.S. § 327.48.

(a)

It is unlawful to operate a vessel upon the waters of this county in a reckless manner. A person is guilty of reckless operation of a vessel who operates any vessel or manipulates any water skis, aquaplane or similar device in a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of person or property at a speed or in a manner as to endanger or likely to endanger life or limb or damage the property of or injure any person. Any person who violates a provision of this subsection is guilty of a class V violation of the Pasco County Uniform Fee and Fine Schedule.

(b)

Any person operating a vessel upon the waters of this county shall operate the vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner, having regard for other waterborne traffic, posted speed and wake restrictions and all other attendant circumstance so as not to endanger the life, limb or property of any person. The failure to operate a vessel in such a manner constitutes careless operation. However, vessel wake and shoreline wash resulting from the reasonable and prudent operation of a vessel shall not, absent negligence, constitute damage or endangerment to property. Any person who violates this subsection shall be cited to appear before the county court. Any person who violates a provision of this subsection is guilty of a class V violation of the Pasco County Uniform Fee and Fine Schedule.

(c)

Vessels operated upon the waters of the county as a part of a marine parade, tournament or exhibition authorized by F.S. § 327.48 may only be operated on the waters of Moon Lake.

(d)

During the time period that a regatta, race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition is being conducted on Moon Lake no vessel that is not a participant in or associated with such event as listed herein shall be operated any closer than 50 yards from the area or perimeter of the area where the event is being conducted on Moon Lake.

(e)

During the time period that events such as a regatta, race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition is being conducted on Moon Lake, no vessel that is not a participant in or associated with such event as listed herein shall be anchored any closer than 50 yards from the area or perimeter of the area where the event is being conducted on Moon Lake.

(Code 1970, § 2¾-5; Ord. No. 82-22, § 2, 8-31-82; Ord. No. 88-31, § 5, 11-29-88; Ord. No. 93-04, § 5(2¾-5), 1-26-93; Ord. No. 94-02, § 1, 3-1-94)

State law reference

Similar provisions, F.S. § 327.33.