Boat Operator Acquitted in Crash That Killed Teen: Why Convictions Are Rare

A Miami jury found real estate executive George Pino not guilty in a 2022 boat crash that killed a 17-year-old. The case highlights a troubling pattern: Florida juries rarely convict boat operators for fatal accidents, even when evidence suggests careless or reckless driving. Guilty verdicts almost never happen unless the driver was clearly drunk or records show dangerous behavior. Florida has some of the nation's highest boating death rates.