Wake Surfing Safely.
Senate Bill 587 clarifies the rules for existing properties that no longer meet current land development regulations, termed "nonconformities." It defines a nonconformity as a lawfully established lot, structure, or use that doesn't comply with new regulations, provided it's not expanded or intensified. The bill establishes that new regulations generally cannot apply to these existing nonconformities without the property owner's written consent, protecting their continued use. Property owners are permitted to reconstruct or repair nonconforming elements as long as they are not enlarged. However, this protection may expire if the nonconformity is intentionally and voluntarily discontinued for 24 consecutive months, with provisions to pause this period during certain legal proceedings or emergencies.
Bill status
passed both
4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Jun 2026
Senate Passage
May 2025
House Passage
Jun 2026
Governor
Introduced Mar 25, 2025
Last action Jun 17, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 4 comparisons
What changed between versions
Edition 2
→
Edition 3
·
4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was completely rewritten to change its subject matter from clarifying nonconforming land uses to prohibiting wake surfing. The new version adds a specific ban on wake surfing within 200 feet of shorelines, structures, and other watercraft, while removing all previous text regarding land development regulations.
Scope change
The bill's scope shifted entirely from land use planning and zoning (nonconformities) to water safety and boating regulations.
SCOPE
All provisions regarding nonconforming uses, land development regulations, and vested rights in zoning were removed.
REQUIREMENT
A new requirement prohibits wake surfing within 200 feet of shorelines, structures, moored vessels, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, or swimmers.
ENFORCEMENT
Violations of the new wake surfing ban are now classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by a fine of at least $100.
DEFINITION
A specific definition was added for 'wake surfing,' defining it as operating a motorboat with added weight in the stern to create an artificially enlarged wake.
Floor votes · Senate May 7, 2025 · House Jun 10, 2026
How they voted
48–0
Passed · 3 other
Total votes 51
May 7, 2025
D
Democratic20
90% Yea
R
Republican31
96% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
33
Key actions
6
Committee
11
Amendments
1
Jun 17, 2026
Committee
Re-ref Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
upper
Jun 11, 2026
Committee
Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
upper
Jun 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
Passed 3rd Reading
lower
Jun 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reptd Fav
lower
Jun 2, 2026
Committee
Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
lower
Jun 2, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reptd Fav Com Substitute
lower
May 14, 2026
Committee
Re-ref to the Com on State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
lower
May 8, 2025
Committee
Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
lower
May 7, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed 3rd Reading
upper
May 7, 2025
Upper · Passed
Amend Adopted A1
upper
May 6, 2025
Committee
Re-ref Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
upper
May 6, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reptd Fav
upper
May 1, 2025
Committee
Re-ref to Regulatory Reform. If fav, re-ref to Rules and Operations of the Senate
upper
Mar 26, 2025
Committee
Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
upper
Mar 25, 2025
Introduced
Filed
upper
1 primary · 6 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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