Damage to transportation facility by vessel; marine accident report; investigative authorities; penalties.

(1) Whenever any vessel has caused damage to a transportation facility, the managing owner, agent, or master of such vessel shall immediately, or as soon thereafter as possible, report the same to the nearest Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer, the sheriff of the county wherein such accident occurred, or the Florida Highway Patrol, who shall immediately go to the scene of the accident and, if necessary, board the vessel subsequent to the accident in pursuance of its investigation. The law enforcement agency investigating the accident shall submit a copy of its report to the department.

(2) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section or rules adopted pursuant hereto shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.