Vessel homicide

(1) As used in this section, the term:(a) “Unborn child” has the same meaning as in s. 775.021(5)(e).(b) “Vessel homicide” means the killing of a human being, including the death of an unborn child caused by injury to the mother, by the operation of a vessel as defined in s. 327.02 by another in a reckless manner likely to cause the death of, or great bodily harm to, another.(2) Vessel homicide is:(a) A felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.(b) A felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, if:1. At the time of the accident, the person knew, or should have known, that the accident occurred; and2. The person failed to give information and render aid as required by s. 327.30(1).This subsection does not require that the person knew that the accident resulted in injury or death.(3) A felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, if the person has a prior conviction under this section, s. 316.193(3)(c)3., s. 327.35(3)(a)3.c., or s. 782.071.History.—s. 1, ch. 87-20; s. 15, ch. 96-330; s. 2, ch. 99-153; s. 7, ch. 2025-121; s. 11, ch. 2025-197; s. 49, ch. 2026-14.