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Parasailing Regulations Fly Through Senate

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) – After drawing attention to parasailing accidents, which have not only caused injuries but deaths as well, the Florida Senate has approved a bill that would place regulations on parasailing companies.

"This is a bill that's been a long time coming,'' sponsor Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach, said.

The bill (SB 320), which was approved Thursday, would bar commercial parasailing during certain weather conditions based on speed winds.

Also, it includes a requirement that commercial parasailing operators have at least $1 million in liability insurance.

Lawmakers considered regulations in the past, but the issue moved forward after a highly publicized accident last summer in Panama City Beach that lead to two Indiana teens suffering serious injuries.

The House version of the bill (HB347) has been approved by two subcommittees and is pending in the Regulatory Affairs Committee.

RELATED: Husband Of CT Tourist Killed While Parasailing Files Lawsuit

"The News Service of Florida contributed to this report."

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