South Florida CEO: Where does Florida end?

Everyone knows that international waters begin three miles offshore, right? That's what casino boat operators bank on, opening their tables as soon as they leave Florida's jurisdiction. Well, that's no longer correct, according to a recent Third District Court of Appeals ruling. The case in question revolves around the death of a boy on a Norwegian Cruise Lines ship. The family of the boy--who died from an allergic reaction to shellfish--wants to sue. The physician, who is not a US citizen, petitioned to dismiss the suit because the ship was 11.7 nautical miles out from shore. International waters, right? Wrong, said the court, which cited a passage in Florida's constitution which says that the state's waters extend either three miles from shore or to the edge of the Gulf Stream--whichever is further. The National Weather Service has now tracked the Gulf Stream for two years, concluding that the stream's edge is more like 12 miles out (though it varies from place to place). Casino boat operators, who suddenly find themselves having to sail one-and-a-half hours out before gambling can begin, will appeal.

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