How You Can Help Get the Parasailing Bill Signed Into 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, the final step is to have Governor Rick Scott sign the bill into law. Florida’s legislative process states that the Governor must sign or veto the bill within 15 days of transmittal or it will automatically become law without his or her signature. We have three days until the deadline and the urgency to show our support is critical.

How to Show Your Support for the White-Miskell Act

We are grateful that Senator Maria Sachs has worked tirelessly for the past seven months to bring this bill to its final approval before the Florida House and Senate. Now it is our turn to let Governor Scott know that Florida residents are in support of the much-needed regulatory laws that it will put in place for the parasailing industry.

Debi Chalik has already begun her personal outreach campaign to Governor Scott by writing to him personally and submitting a Letter to the Editor printed in the Sun-Sentinel on May 6.

As a Florida resident, you have the power to contact your Governor to show your personal support of the White-Miskell Act. We encourage you to call, e-mail, or write to Governor Scott’s office and ask him to support safety on Florida’s beaches by signing this important bill.

You may contact the Office of Governor Rick Scott by calling 850-488-7146 or by postal mail at:

Office of Governor Rick Scott
State of Florida
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

You may also use the online form to send electronic correspondence to Governor Scott’s office.

Writing a letter to a governor can be a daunting task. We want to raise as much support for the White-Miskell Act as possible and to help get more letters to the governor, we have provided a general letter that you may download and personalize before mailing to Governor Scott’s office.

Chalik & Chalik: Supporting Parasailing Regulation Since 2007

Chalik & Chalik joined the fight for better parasailing regulations after the August 18, 2007 parasailing accident on Pompano Beach that claimed the life of 15-year old Amber May White, for whom the bill was named. With your support, and the governor’s approval, new regulations will be put in place to improve the safety and enjoyment of parasailing excursions.

The White-Miskell Act will create the following changes to parasailing regulation:

• parasailing companies and operators must carry a $1 million insurance policy for accidents and injury;
• parasailing vessels must carry real-time weather monitoring equipment; and
• all operators must constantly watch for changes in weather that might pose a threat to parasailers or their watercrafts.

This legislation was designed with the safety and wellbeing of parasailers in mind. With these regulations in place, parasailing companies must make sure their equipment is up to operational standards and in good condition, and that excursions are cut short or canceled for poor weather conditions.

Jason and Debi Chalik are South Florida residents themselves and know how important the parasailing industry is to Florida tourism. Both residents and tourists alike should be able to enjoy this beach experience without fear of dangerous conditions or negligent operators. Please help us raise awareness of this bill and let Governor Scott know you care!