TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A new bill just rolled into Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office for signature.

During the just completed session, the House voted 117-0 in favor of the Roller Skating Rink Safety Act which in some cases would hold individual skaters responsible for safety instead of the management. The bill is of significance for an industry that is facing a difficult time in trying to survive.

Tampa skating enthusiast Kirstin Rainey is among those relatively new to roller skating.

“It’s been under three years since I started skating,” Rainey said. “I started with baby deer legs. I learned on a tennis court with friends.”

Rainey still considers herself a newcomer to the skating world after picking up the hobby during the pandemic. Now, the 25-year-old is part of the United Skates of America U Crew team, which helps others learn.

“Skating basically feels like I’m flying,” she said. “The faster you go, the less control you have but once you get used to that speed, you really feel like you are flying. You’re in the air — like a bird.”

Rainey advocates for skating responsibly. That includes putting away your phones and skating toward the middle if you are a beginner. She said it’s also important to prepare for the inevitable.

“Learn how to fall, learn how to stop, and wear your gear to avoid any complications on the rink,” she said. “You want to stay safe so you can continue having fun.”

Under the new law, in order to be eligible for protection, skating rink operators must maintain their floors, lights, walls and rental equipment in proper condition.

A similar bill has been passed in 11 other states.

This legislation is crucial, as noted by Brian Cherry, a partner of United Skates of America, Incorporated, who has been involved in the industry for 35 years. In the past, there were over 200 skating rinks in Florida alone.

“We’re down to 41,” Cherry said.

The bill was sponsored by Jacksonville Senator Clay Yarborough with the goal of lowering insurance premiums.

“You see all of these billboards, radio and television ads that say ‘slip and fall, give us a call’. Some people take attorneys up on that,” said Cherry. “The understanding is you got to take some responsibility as a skater. You weren’t born with a set of wheels on your feet and so accidents do happen and this legislation will even things out.”

According to Cherry, it is the only solution to maintain business operations.

“In the last 10 years we’ve seen our liability insurance triple and if you are mom-and-pop — it is difficult to stay in business,” said Cherry.

Business aside, Rainey said it’s a party to celebrate skate culture. She says new people are still joining despite the fact that the activity is not as popular as it used to be.

“The best part of skating is not only the skating but the community,” she said. “I feel so supported."