James Corley v. Lloyd Milliken and "Capt. Jeffery"

The sole question presented by this appeal is whether Florida’s watercraft long arm statute, Fla.Stat. § 48.19 (1977), applies in a tort action arising from an event outside of the state of Florida. Upon the guidance of the Supreme Court of Florida, we find that it does not.

I

During April of 1976, James Corley was employed as a member of the crew of the fishing vessel CAPTAIN JEFFERY. At the time, the CAPTAIN JEFFERY was using Key West, Florida, as its port. During the course and scope of his employment, Corley suffered certain injuries. These injuries occurred aboard the CAPTAIN JEFFERY,…