The White-Miskell Act – Parasailing Law

On May 1, 2014 the Florida legislature voted in favor of SB 320: Commercial and Recreational Water Activities, commonly known as the White-Miskell Act. After years of legislative review and supportive action, the work of Florida Senator Maria Sachs and thousands of Floridians has paid off in bringing this bill to the Governor’s desk. Now,...

Making safety a priority is essential when enjoying Florida’s warm weather. Otherwise, a fun summer activity could quickly turn into an accident that can cause serious injuries ranging from broken bones to paralysis. Summer marks the onset of the state’s rainy season. The risk of car crashes increases with frequent and heavy downpours. Sudden showers...

The Tennessean reports that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its preliminary investigation report regarding a flight from Smyrna, Tennessee, bound for Palm Beach International Airport. Seven church leaders from a congregation in Brentwood died in the crash that happened on May 29 when the 1982 Cessna 501 went down into the waters of...

It has been nearly seven years since Amber May White was killed in a tragic parasailing accident. Amber’s death began a call for better regulation of the parasailing industry, and after several House and Senate hearings, bill revisions, and petition signatures, the parasailing law known as the White-Miskell Act – which Chalik & Chalik adamantly...

Florida lawmakers have in the past failed to pass basic safety measures designed to reduce parasailing injuries and deaths. In the 2014 session, they will have another opportunity to approve minimum safety regulations on one of the state’s most popular – and presently, dangerous – tourist activities. Florida Sen. Maria Sachs (D-Delray Beach) announced this...

Due to their hard and vigilant work to push for new regulations of the parasailing industry in Florida, Jason and Debi Chalik were featured recently on the Advocate Capital Inc blog. The article summarizes how the Chalik’s first got involved in parasailing regulations, and the eventual passing of the White Miskell Act. The article goes...

Thank you Advocate Capital for helping us spread the word about the dangers of parasailing.  Changes these regulations is something we feel very strongly about and are working hard to get the message out to the right people.  As many of our clients know, we joined the efforts of the White family back in 2007...

You may be a good boater or seaman by day, but nighttime excursions on the water are a whole new ball game. Low light conditions and drastically reduced visibility increases risks of  boat accidents. It’s important to be fully trained and prepared and follow basic safety rules when you hit the water for some nighttime...

After being struck down in 2013, at the Business & Professional Regulations Subcommittee of the Florida House of Representatives, the White-Miskell Act is back on the legislative floor and making progress.   Senator Maria Sachs has re-introduced the bill in the wake of yet another tragic parasailing accident that we are working on. Our client,...

As of June 2014, the White-Miskell Act is law in Florida. With Governor Scott’s signature, it feels as if a hard fought battle has finally been won. We didn’t get everything we wanted or need, but after seven years of trying, Florida citizens at least have some minimal protection against those parasailing operators who put...