Why is FWC involved in the airboat sound issue?
Legislation was proposed in 2003 to restrict airboat noise statewide to 90 decibels at 50 feet. A committee substitute bill proposed to give the FWC rule making authority to adopt a uniform municipal code to resolve the airboat noise issue. However, in lieu of the bill moving forward, FWC was asked to host public workshops regarding airboat noise. Three public workshops were held in September 2003, attended by a total of about 300 people. Three general themes emerged from the workshops: (1) support for the development of an airboater code of ethics, (2) promote the installation of effective mufflers on all airboat engines and (3) a lack of consensus regarding any statutory changes. A code of ethics was developed by a Florida Boating Advisory Council subcommittee that included representatives from the personal watercraft industry, airboat manufacturers, sportsmen groups, the boating public and the general public. The results of the workshops, the code of ethics and a recommendation to r
