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To the editor:
"… Officers currently can stop boaters without probable cause to conduct routine safety checks…" according to a recent news story in the regional daily.
I did not know this, even though I am a law professor and a former director-at-large of the Libertarian Party of Florida (LPF). In other words, I have been asleep at the wheel (and so have you, editor). IMHO, it is absolutely outrageous that an officer thinks he can board anyone's simply because he FEELS like it.
I think that, if he wants to poke around in the litter on the deck, he'd better have permission from the owner, or probable cause, or (best of all) a lawfully-issued search warrant.
BTW, the 2022 platform of the LPF says: "… IV. Public Safety … 10. Probable Cause … searches without probable cause should be abolished … "
Happily, the story goes on to note that Gov. DeSantis has drafted a bill that would end this abuse of authority. Good for you, Governor. You have my whole-hearted support on this. As we say in my home state of New Hampshire, Live Free or Die.
Larry Gillis
Cape Coral