{"id":34957,"date":"2026-08-30T16:52:44","date_gmt":"2026-08-30T16:52:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/catastrophic-jet-ski-accident-injuries\/alcohol-jet-ski-accident-liability\/"},"modified":"2026-10-08T14:37:35","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T14:37:35","slug":"alcohol-jet-ski-accident-liability","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/catastrophic-jet-ski-accident-injuries\/alcohol-jet-ski-accident-liability\/","title":{"rendered":"Jet Ski Accidents & Boating Under the Influence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Jet Ski & Boating Accidents<\/p>

Injured by a Jet Ski Operator Under the Influence?<\/h1>

If you or a loved one was hurt in a boating accident caused by an impaired operator, you may have a claim. We focus exclusively on catastrophic injuries and can help you understand your options.<\/p>

Get a Free Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div>
Get a Free Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By CHG Lawyers \u00b7 Published August 30, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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Boating Under the Influence and Jet Ski Accidents: What You Need to Know<\/h2>\n

Boating under the influence (BUI) means operating a jet ski or motorized watercraft while impaired by alcohol or drugs. In Florida, BUI is a criminal offense treated the same as driving under the influence (DUI). When an impaired operator causes a catastrophic injury, the injured person or their family can pursue a civil claim for damages against that operator. This is separate from any criminal prosecution.<\/p>\n\n

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If you or a loved one was hurt in a boating accident caused by an impaired operator, you may have a claim. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

What Is Boating Under the Influence (BUI)?<\/h2>\n

In Florida, BUI means operating any motorized vessel\u2014including jet skis, boats, and personal watercraft\u2014while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.<\/p>\n

You don’t need a high BAC to be arrested for BUI. If a law enforcement officer sees signs of impairment\u2014slurred speech, poor balance, slow reaction time, or erratic operation\u2014you can be arrested for BUI regardless of your BAC level. <\/p>\n

The U<\/a>.S. Coast Guard enforces BUI laws on federal waterways. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and local police enforce state and local waters. Operators can be stopped and tested for impairment just like drivers on land.<\/p>\n

Is BUI as Serious as DUI?<\/h2>\n

But the danger goes deeper than criminal penalties. A jet ski operates in open water with no lane markings, traffic signals, or protective structure like a car. There are no barriers between vessels. An impaired operator loses critical abilities:<\/p>\n