The White-Miskell Act – Parasailing Law

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... Read More

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,... Read More

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... Read More

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... Read More

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,... Read More

On August 18, 2007, in Pompano Beach Florida, a young girl’s life was tragically taken away from her as a result of the negligence of a parasailing operator. Amber May White, age 15, and her sister Crystal White, age 17, of Summerfield, Florida, were staying at the Wyndham Resort on Pompano Beach, enjoying their last... Read More

Just last summer, 17-year-old Alexis Fairchild and her friend Sidney Good were critically injured in Panama City, Fla. when strong winds snapped their parasail free from the tow boat. Despite the fact that between 1982 and 2012, 73 people have died and another 1,600 have been injured in parasailing accidents, the industry operates virtually unregulated. ... Read More

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... Read More

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... Read More