Based on the information available, there are no new developments to report in 2025 regarding the tragic boating accident involving baseball superstar Jose Fernandez.
The incident, which resulted in the deaths of Fernandez and two other individuals, occurred in September 2016. Subsequent investigations and legal proceedings, including civil lawsuits filed by the families of the victims, unfolded in the years that followed.
Key findings from the investigation revealed that Fernandez had a blood alcohol level of .147 and had cocaine in his system at the time of the crash. A significant point of contention in the civil cases was determining who was operating the boat when it struck a jetty in Florida in the middle of the night.
While reports up to 2023 covered various aspects of the investigation, lawsuits, and settlements, no further updates or specific events concerning this case in 2025 have been found. The challenge of definitively proving who was driving the boat remained a hurdle for the families seeking justice in the civil proceedings.
Based on the information available, there have been no new developments in the Jose Fernandez boating case in 2025. The significant events and legal actions related to this incident occurred in the years following the crash in 2016.
Leaving the Scene
Here’s a summary of what happened in the case:
The Crash and Initial Findings: In September 2016, baseball superstar Jose Fernandez and two other men, Emilio Macias and Eduardo Rivero, died in a boat crash off Miami Beach, Florida. The boat reportedly hit a jetty in the middle of the night. Initial coroner reports indicated that Fernandez had a blood alcohol level of .147 (nearly twice the legal limit) and had cocaine in his system.
Investigation Results: In March 2017, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) released its final report on the incident. The investigation concluded that:
Jose Fernandez was operating the boat at the time of the crash.
He was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine.
The boat was traveling at a high rate of speed (around 65 mph).
Investigators found Fernandez’s DNA on the steering wheel and throttle.
The report suggested that had Fernandez survived, he could have faced charges including manslaughter and boating while intoxicated.
Civil Lawsuits and Settlement: The families of Emilio Macias and Eduardo Rivero filed wrongful death lawsuits against Fernandez’s estate, each seeking $2 million in damages. In August 2018, it was confirmed that these civil lawsuits had been settled. The details of the settlement were not publicly disclosed.
Disputes by Fernandez’s Attorney: Throughout the investigation and legal proceedings, an attorney representing Fernandez’s estate disputed the findings that Fernandez was driving the boat and suggested the investigation was flawed.
As of 2025, there is no indication of any new legal proceedings, reopening of the investigation, or further developments in this case. The civil matters appear to have been concluded with the 2018 settlement.
Boating Under the Influence Florida
Boating Under the Influence Video
Boating Under the Influence of cocaine and a blood alcohol level of .147 says CNN today. According to the video, Baseball superstar Jose Fernandez was involved in a boat crash in Florida. Coroner reports blood alcohol of .147 and presence of cocaine. No news on who was driving the boat. Two others on the boat were also killed when the boat hit a Florida jetty in the middle of the night.
There is no evidence yet proving who was driving. That is a significant hurdle for families seeking justice in the civil case.
Refusal to Submit to Testing – BOAT4015 BUI Defense Attorney in Tampa | FS 327.359
If you were arrested on Florida waterways and refused to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, you may be facing a serious criminal charge: BOAT4015 – Refusal to Submit to Testing (Vessel) under Florida Statute 327.359. A refusal after a lawful boating under the influence (BUI) stop can lead to first-degree misdemeanor charges, possible jail time, and steep fines—especially if it’s a second refusal.
BOAT4015 is a charge code used by the Clerk of Court, Sheriff, jail, and State Attorney’s Office in Hillsborough County to classify the offense of Refusal to Submit to Testing (Vessel). This occurs when a person operating a boat or vessel is suspected of BUI and refuses to comply with a lawful request for chemical testing under Florida’s Implied Consent laws.
While BOAT4015 is closely related to BUI, it is a standalone criminal offense with its own penalties.
Florida Statute 327.359 – Summary
Under § 327.359, it is unlawful for a person to refuse a lawful request for a chemical or physical test (such as breath, blood, or urine) after a lawful BUI arrest if they have previously refused a test in a similar situation. When this happens, the second or subsequent refusal becomes a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable under Florida Statutes § 775.082 and § 775.083.
Key Requirements for a BOAT4015 Charge:
Law enforcement had probable cause to believe the operator was impaired.
The person was lawfully arrested for BUI (§ 327.35).
They were properly informed of the legal consequences of refusal.
Refusing a chemical test in a BUI case leads to serious consequences—especially if you’ve previously refused a DUI or BUI test. Here’s what you’re facing:
Civil Penalty (First Refusal):
$500 fine
Evidence admissible in court
No automatic jail time unless tied to another charge
Criminal Penalty (Second or Subsequent Refusal):
1st Degree Misdemeanor
Up to 12 months in jail
Up to $1,000 fine
Vessel impoundment
Required substance abuse counseling
Probation
Legal Difference Between BUI and BOAT4015
While BUI (Boating Under the Influence) charges deal with operating a vessel while impaired, BOAT4015 relates strictly to refusing a test after arrest. You can be charged with both if:
You were impaired and refused to take a chemical test.
You have a previous refusal on your record from any DUI or BUI case.
These charges often run together, but require distinct defenses.
Video: What to Do After a BUI Arrest
🎥 Video Courtesy of the Marine Aviation Unit
Top 5 Defenses to a BOAT4015 Charge
Top 5
🔹 No Prior Refusal on Record You must have a documented prior refusal for § 327.359 to apply.
🔹 Improper Implied Consent Warning Officers are required to inform you of the consequences of refusal. If they failed to do so, the charge may be dropped.
🔹 Unlawful Stop or Arrest If the initial stop or arrest lacked probable cause, any subsequent refusal may not be admissible.
🔹 Medical or Mental Condition A legitimate condition (e.g., confusion, communication impairment) may explain the refusal.
🔹 Involuntary Refusal If the refusal was not willful—for example, due to misunderstanding or coercion—it can be challenged.
Frequently Asked Questions – BOAT4015 in Florida
FAQ Frequently asked questions
Can I be charged for refusing a test even if I wasn’t drunk?
Yes. Refusal itself is a crime if you’ve previously refused a test—regardless of your BAC.
Does a prior DUI refusal count against me in a BUI case?
Yes. The law allows prior DUI refusals (even on land) to enhance your BUI refusal charge.
What if I never got read my rights?
Officers must give a specific Implied Consent Warning for the refusal to be legally valid.
Is BOAT4015 a felony?
No. BOAT4015 is a first-degree misdemeanor, but it’s still a criminal offense with serious consequences.
Attorney Casey Ebsary is a Florida Bar Board-Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer based in Tampa. With years of experience in both DUI and BUI defense, he understands the unique legal issues involved with Florida’s boating laws.
✅ Former Prosecutor ✅ Experienced in DUI & BUI Defense ✅ Personalized, Aggressive Representation ✅ Free Consultation Available
📞 Call Now – Start Your Defense Today
If you’ve been charged with BOAT4015 – Refusal to Submit to Testing (Vessel) in Tampa or Hillsborough County, time is critical. Protect your rights before your first court date.
What does BOAT4015 stand for in a Hillsborough / Tampa criminal case?
BOAT4015 is a charge code used in criminal cases in Hillsborough County, Florida. Refusal to submit to DUI testing while operating a boat or vessel in Florida waters can be a crime under Florida Statute 327.359. The Judge, the Clerk of Court, the Jail, and the DUI Prosecutor will assign a classification to the misdemeanor criminal charge. This charge is separate from the BUI (Boating Under the Influence) charge.
A vessel operator can be jailed for up to one year. The code BOAT4015 is the charge code assigned when someone is arrested for Boating Under the Influence and refuses a chemical test to determine blood alcohol BAC levels. You can review the BUI laws here.
Tampa BUI Quick Facts
Boating under the influence can include jail time
Fines up to $500.00 for 1st offenses
Fines up to $1,000 for 2nd offenses
Drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs.
3rd and 4th convictions can be felony
What are the Penalties for refusing to submit to a chemical, breath, or blood test in a Florida Boating Under the Influence Case?
327.359 Refusal to submit to testing; penalties.—
Any person who has refused to submit to a chemical or physical test of his or her breath, blood, or urine, as described in s. 327.352, and who has been previously fined for refusal to submit to a lawful test of his or her breath, urine, or blood, and:
(1) Who the arresting law enforcement officer had probable cause to believe was operating or in actual physical control of a vessel in this state while under the influence of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances;
(2) Who was placed under lawful arrest for a violation of s. 327.35 unless such test was requested pursuant to s. 327.352(1)(c);
(3) Who was informed that if he or she refused to submit to such test he or she is subject to a fine of $500;
(4) Who was informed that a refusal to submit to a lawful test of his or her breath, urine, or blood, if he or she has been previously fined for refusal to submit to a lawful test of his or her breath, urine, or blood, is a misdemeanor; and
(5) Who, after having been so informed, refused to submit to any such test when requested to do so by a law enforcement officer or correctional officer commits a misdemeanor of the first degree and is subject to punishment as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
Every year hundreds join the Tampa Gasparilla Pirate Invasion by boat. This year, Saturday, January 27 the crew will start its journey at 9:00 a.m. and ends at the Tampa Convention Center at 1:00 p.m. when the crew captures the Mayor. Many people have their own parties alongside the Gasparilla Flotilla. You can avoid a BUI charge by having a designated driver on the boat. If you need an attorney call 813.222.2220
Gasaparilla Is Just For Fun Not For BUI Charge Or DUI Charge
You can learn more about the Florida BUI (Boating Under the Influence) Charge. Here are 16 Tips For Surviving Gasparilla Pirate Fest Invasion. Then you can look at The Official Flotilla and Parade Maps. The parade begins Bayshore Boulevard at Bay to Bay Boulevard at 2:00 p.m. Then the parade ends on Ashley Drive when it reaches Cass Street around 5:30 p.m. You don’t want to forget that the NHL All-Star Weekend is also this weekend in downtown Tampa. That will add to the crowds and may increase parking issues, Special event rates will be in place for parking in public garages and privately operated lots throughout downtown Tampa and around Bayshore Boulevard. Most fill up by 10:30 a.m. If you made a bad decision or got confused with someone who did call an expert attorney call 813.222.2220
