Age and Operator Restrictions
Additional InformationThe law requires that persons affected by this legislation have in their possession a Boating Safety Education I.D. Card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and photographic ID while operating a vessel. Show
ExemptionsOperators are exempt from needing to get the license if they are:
EnforcementFlorida law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them by following the laws and guidelines. Carry the Card: Vessel operators who are required to have a Boater Education Card must carry the card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer. Penalty: Not carrying your Boater Education Card when one is required can result in a fine. ReciprocityFor visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)
The following is a summary of Florida's boating laws, found in Ch. 327 and Ch. 328, Florida Statutes. This information is included in all certified boating safety courses taught in Florida. Note: This information is accurate as of February 2022 and is subject to change in May of each year. Please call the FWC's Boating Safety Section at 850-488-5600 for annual updates to this information or questions regarding boating safety course requirements. There is no minimum age to operate a boat. However the personal watercraft regulations and boating safety requirements below are age specific and would apply. Expand All | Collapse All
Except in the event of an emergency, it is unlawful to moor or fasten to any lawfully placed navigation aid or regulatory maker.
Please read our Frequently Asked Questions. See also Boat Safety Equipment. The following regulations apply whenever someone is wholly or partially submerged and is using a face mask and snorkel or underwater breathing apparatus. A divers-down warning device may be a divers-down flag, buoy, or other similar warning device. These devices are designed for, and used by, divers and dive vessels as a way to notify nearby boaters that divers are in the water in the immediate area. The device must be displayed prominently when in use. The divers-down warning device must meet the following requirements.
Except in the event of an emergency, it is unlawful for any person to anchor or operate a vessel in a manner that will unreasonably interfere with the navigation of other vessels
No person may operate a monohull boat of less than 20 feet in length while exceeding the maximum weight, persons, or horsepower capacity as displayed on the manufacturer's capacity plate.
Vessels operating in Florida waters must comply with the U.S. Coast Guard requirements relating to marine sanitation devices, where applicable.
How old do you have to be to be a passenger on a PWC in Florida?A person must be at least 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft in Florida.
Which of the following is one of the legal requirements while operating a PWC?Each person on a PWC or being towed by a PWC must wear a USCG approved PFD type I, II, III or V. Inflatable PFD are prohibited for personal watercraft use. The law requires anyone operating a PWC equipped with a lanyard cut-off switch to attach the lanyard to his or her person, clothing or life jacket.
What is required on jetski Florida?Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
Personal Watercraft (PWC): Everyone on or operating a PWC must wear an approved Type I, II, III or V PFD. Inflatable PFDs are prohibited. Water Skier: Every person skiing or aquaplaning must wear an approved Type I, II or III PFD.
What equipment is required to be on a boat in Florida?Minimum Florida Boat Safety Equipment Requirements
One Coast Guard-approved Type I, II or III Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board or being towed on water skis etc. Fire extinguisher(s) of the appropriate size and type for your boat. Visual Distress Signals (on high sea, and coastal waters)
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