Which of the following is required to be installed on airboats in Florida?

The requirement for an automotive style exhaust muffler on airboats in Florida is primarily aimed at reducing noise emissions. This regulation is intended to minimize the impact of airboat activities on wildlife and nearby communities, aligning with environmental and public safety concerns prevalent in the state. An automotive style exhaust muffler effectively dampens the noise produced by the engine, making airboats less disruptive in natural habitats and areas frequented by people.

In contrast, other options may not specifically align with the legal requirements. A silencer, for instance, could refer to different technologies that may not comply with existing regulations concerning airboat operation or could be less effective than an automotive-style muffler in achieving the noise reduction standards set by state law. A sound dampening system, while potentially helpful, does not guarantee compliance with Florida's specific mandates for airboat noise levels. A higher-capacity engine does not relate to noise reduction and could even exacerbate the issue, leading to additional noise pollution rather than alleviating it. Thus, the automotive style exhaust muffler is singularly recognized as a mandated feature for airboats in Florida to ensure compliance with sound regulations.