URGENT PETITION: STOP SB606/SB418 - Protect Florida Operators from Discriminatory Insurance Requirements!

Dear Fellow Florida Livery Operators,

We are deeply concerned about the negative impact of SB606 and SB418, the new insurance requirements for renting liveries in our beloved state. These laws only serve to benefit insurance companies while inflicting severe harm on rental operators and our valued customers. Allow us to outline the key reasons why we oppose these laws:

1) Escalating Costs: The new insurance requirements impose additional expenses on customers, resulting in a staggering 25%+ increase in costs to the renter. This undue burden reduces our ability to offer competitive pricing and important upsells like trip protection, damage protection, and equipment rentals.

2) Discriminatory Underwriting: The underwriting process forces our renters to answer invasive and sensitive questions that may discriminate against certain groups. Prior felony convictions or DUI records could disqualify individuals from from getting the required insurance, which would result in disqualifying individuals from renting, further exacerbating the unfairness of these laws.

3) Cumbersome Process: Renters are already burdened with numerous paperwork requirements, including waivers, boaters tests, damage inspections, and regulations. The new underwriting process adds yet another layer of complexity, discouraging walk-in customers and dampening their enthusiasm for our recreational offerings.

4) Inadequate Education Measures: These laws fail to address the crucial need for education within our industry. Mere "attestations" to boater test requirements without actually requiring renters to take the test if they decline insurance is a mere mockery of genuine safety efforts.

5) Threat to Tourism: Livery operations are a vital part of Florida's tourism ecosystem, providing recreational activities to both locals and visitors. The additional burdens imposed by SB606 and SB418 negatively impact tourism and unfairly subject tourists to unnecessary hassles without enhancing their safety.

Furthermore, it has come to our attention that these laws were originally intended to address bareboat crisis in Dade County. Yet, they now unfairly burden legitimate and responsible livery companies that have invested significantly in liability insurance and customer safety. We firmly believe that the best approach would be to repeal and replace this legislation, targeting the actual problem of rogue operators without adversely affecting the majority of responsible operators.

We, the undersigned, call upon the lawmakers of Florida to listen to our concerns and take action to protect our livelihoods, our customers, and the integrity of our industry. Help us restore a fair and balanced environment that prioritizes safety without punishing those who are already doing their part responsibly.

Let us join hands to repeal SB606 and SB418 and pave the way for a more just, thriving, and safe boating rental industry in Florida.

Together, we can make a difference!

Please sign the petition and inform your senate and house representatives immediately! Livery operators need to be heard, and not just the manufactures and insurance companies.