Nawara Law
Law Offices Of Daniel D. Nawara, P.A.

Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Lawyer | Sarasota & Bradenton

Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Lawyer — Sarasota, Bradenton & Venice

Sarasota Bay, the Intracoastal, Venice Inlet, Big Pass, Longboat Pass and the local sandbars draw a lot of boaters — and a lot of enforcement by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), sheriff's marine units and local police. If you were charged with boating under the influence, here is what you should know. Daniel D. Nawara is a former Twelfth Judicial Circuit prosecutor who defends BUI and DUI cases in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Call or text (941) 920-5514 — I return calls and texts nights and weekends. Request a free consultation.

What BUI means in Florida

Under section 327.35, Florida Statutes, it is a crime to operate a vessel while your normal faculties are impaired or with a blood or breath alcohol level of 0.08 or more.

Possible penalties

  • First conviction: a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to 6 months in jail.

  • 0.15 or higher, or a minor on board: a fine of $1,000 to $2,000 and up to 9 months.

  • BUI causing serious bodily injury: a third-degree felony.

  • Refusing a breath, blood or urine test: a $500 civil penalty; refusing again after a prior refusal can be a first-degree misdemeanor.

How BUI cases differ from DUI cases

  • The stop itself. Since July 1, 2025, Florida's Boater Freedom Act bars officers from stopping or boarding a boat solely to do a safety or equipment inspection without probable cause. Why the officer approached your boat can matter.

  • Field sobriety exercises are often done on a dock after hours in the sun, wind and on the water, which affects balance and coordination. See field sobriety tests.

  • Breath testing often happens after transport and delay. See breath test defense.

Where BUI cases are heard

Sarasota County cases are heard in Sarasota County court — downtown Sarasota or the South County Courthouse at 4004 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice — as listed on your notice. Manatee County cases are heard at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton.

Charged with BUI? Call or text (941) 920-5514 — free consultation, nights and weekends too. Payment plans available.

This page is general information, not legal advice for your situation.