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,... 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

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

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... 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

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

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

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

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... Read More