fl boater safety course how long

by Mr. Trey Ward 4 min read

What are the requirements to operate a boat in Florida?

  • A proof of ownership document such as: Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin. Official statement of the vessel's builder. Dealer's bill of sale.
  • A completed application for a boat title . Only available in person at the tax collector/license plate agent office.
  • Payment for the necessary boat titling fees.

How to learn to be a boater?

Boating season is in full swing in Maryland ... Although similar to automotive repair, it has nuances that you need to learn in order to maintain the engine or ensure a speedy and efficient repair. There are, however, not enough trained and qualified ...

How to get a boating license in Florida?

How to Get Your Florida Boating License. Once you are eligible and have determined you require a license, your first step will be to complete a boating safety course. You can do this at your own pace, either in one sitting or over a few days. Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll need to take and pass the exam.

Which boats require registration?

The only exceptions are:

  • Sailboats and sailboards under 12 feet in length
  • Other small, non-motorized vessels, such as canoes and kayaks
  • Vessels registered in other states using New Hampshire waters for 30 or fewer consecutive days
  • Vessels owned or operated by the U.S. government

Do you have to take a boater safety course in Florida?

In order to operate a motorboat of ten (10) horsepower or greater, Florida law requires anyone who was born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 to successfully complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC.

Does a Florida boaters license expire?

The boating safety education i.d. card is proof that you have successfully completed a boating safety course. The boating safety education i.d. card does not expire and does not need to be renewed.

How long does a Florida boater education temporary certificate last?

for 90 daysThe TC is valid for 90 days. The TC should be available for inspection by a law enforcement officer when operating a vessel in Florida, along with a photo ID.

Can I get my Florida boaters license online?

The BoatUS Foundation's Online Course is the only FREE Online Boating Safety Course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Can passengers drink on a boat in Florida?

When can I drink on a boat in Florida? Florida boat operators and passengers may drink alcohol on the boat. However, boat operators may not become intoxicated under any circumstance by alcohol or drugs.

Do you need a boating license to drive a jet ski in Florida?

no need to print it out. Anyone born on or after January 1st, 1988 is required by law to have a boating license permit to operate a personal watercraft in the state of Florida.

How long does it take to get a Florida boating license?

Some do charge a small fee and the course may take up to eight hours to complete. All boater education courses require you to take an exam and get at least 80% of the answers to pass the course. When you do pass, you will get a temporary card while you wait for your Boater Education Card.

How many questions are on the Florida boating exam?

The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions.

Can you drive a boat with a DUI in Florida?

Although it is not illegal to consume an alcoholic beverage before operating a boat, it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Under Florida law, Florida Statute Section 327.35(1), a BUI arrest can occur when either your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .

How much does a Florida boating license cost?

Study and pass the $39.95 online course. Print your online course completion document.

How many chapters are in the Florida boating course?

five chaptersThe boat safety course manual consists of five chapters packed with boating tips along with the nautical rules of the road.

Is a Florida boating license valid in other states?

Good news! If you've successfully completed an official boating safety course such as boat-ed or ilearntoboat, your boater education card is welcome in every state that requires mandatory boater education.

How much does the Florida ilearntoboat Course cost?

The Florida ilearntoboat Course fee is $54.95.

Do you need Florida Boating education?

You need boating education in Florida if you were born on or after January 1, 1988, and you will be operating a motorized boat of 10 hp or more.

Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Florida?

See the restrictions here.

What is the minimum age to take this online course?

There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.

Do I have to be a resident to take the Florida ilearntoboat Course?

You do not have to be a resident of Florida to take this online course.

Is the Florida ilearntoboat Course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission?

The Florida ilearntoboat Course is approved and accepted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Is my Florida Boating Safety Education I.D. Card accepted elsewhere?

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Plea...

Do I have to take an online exam?

The Final Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts t...

What is the proof of online Florida ilearntoboat Course completion?

Once you pay for and pass the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Temporary Boater Education Certificate. This is your pro...

How much does the Florida Boat Ed Course cost?

The Florida Boat Ed Course fee is $39.95.

Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Florida?

See the restrictions here.

Do I have to complete the course all at once?

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay...

What is the minimum age to take this online course?

There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.

Do I have to be a resident to take the Florida Boat Ed Course?

You do not have to be a resident of Florida to take this online course.

Is the Florida Boat Ed Course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission?

The Florida Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Is my Florida Boating Safety Education I.D. Card accepted elsewhere?

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Plea...

I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?

If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 70% on the unit quizzes to pass.

Do I have to take an online exam?

The Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited at...

Online Courses

Florida Virtual School Outdoor Education Course: (Free for Florida residents ages 12 to 18.) The only course in the nation to combine both hunting and boating safety.

Florida Virtual School Outdoor Education Course

Florida Virtual School Outdoor Education Course: (Free for Florida residents ages 12 to 18.) The only course in the nation to combine both hunting and boating safety.

How long does it take to get a boater's license in Florida?

Your permanent Florida Boating Safety Education I.D. Card will arrive 3–4 weeks after successfully completing this course.

When do you need to be a boater in Florida?

You need boating education in Florida if you were born on or after January 1, 1988, and you will be operating a motorized boat of 10hp or more.

How to get a boater education certificate?

1. Play and pass the $49.50 interactive course. Learn and test your boating knowledge while you venture through this fun, interactive course. Once you successfully guide your group to safety, you may take the final exam. You have multiple attempts to pass the final exam. 2. Print your certificate. The boater education certificate proves ...

What is a Florida boater's license?

Card (often referred to as "Florida boating License" or "Florida Boater Education Card") is proof that you have successfully completed all state-mandated boater education requirements.

How to get a boating license?

Operators are exempt from needing to get their boating license if they are: 1 Licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel 2 Operating on a private lake or pond 3 Accompanied on board by a person who is exempt from the education requirement or by a person who is at least 18 years old, possesses the required identification cards, and is attendant to the operation of the vessel and responsible for any violation that occurs 4 Operating a vessel within 90 days after purchase and have a bill of sale on board and available for inspection

How old do you have to be to operate a boat in Florida?

No one under the age of 14 years may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) on Florida waters at any time, even if such person possesses a Florida Boating Safety Education I.D. Card.

How old do you have to be to operate a PWC?

It is illegal for the owner of a PWC to knowingly allow a person under 14 years of age to operate a PWC.

When do you need boater education in Florida?

You need boater education if you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, and will be operating a motorized boat of 10 hp or more in Florida.

When do you need a boating license in Florida?

Florida boating laws require all boat operators born after Jan. 1, 1988, to get certified by completing a boater safety course. This certification is sometimes called a “Florida boating license.”

What is boat ed?

Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Boating laws and regulations.

How many horsepower is required for a boat in Florida?

Any motorized boat operator born on or after January 1, 1988, operating a boat of 10 hp or more is required by Florida law to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.

Does a boating license expire in Florida?

The boater education certificate in Florida is often called a “boating license.” While the certificate is often called a Florida boating license, the certification does not expire and does not need to be renewed.

How long is a temporary boating license valid in Florida?

These certificates are issued by vendors around the state. Visit www.myfwc.com for a list of approved vendors. The temporary certificate is valid for 90 days and is not intended to be a permanent replacement for the Boating Safety Education Identification Card.

Does Florida have a boating license?

While Florida does not have a boating license, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 is required to either have successfully completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating education course or have passed an equivalent course or temporary certificate examination.

How many hours do you need to study boating safety in Florida?

The state of Florida requires that you spend a minimum of 3 hours studying the online course. The purchase of the BOATsmart! Florida Boating Safety Course includes unlimited lifetime access, so you can check back for refresher lessons anytime.

When do you need a boating safety card in Florida?

All boat operators who were born on or after January 1st, 1988 are required to complete a Boating Safety Course and obtain a Boating Safety Education ID card to legally operate a boating within the state.

What is a Florida boater education card?

The Florida Boater Education ID Card is proof that a boater has successfully completed an approved Boating Safety Course. Boat operators who were born on or after January 1st, 1988 are required to get certified to legally operate a boat with a motor of 10 hp or more.

How to get a replacement Florida boating ID?

You can obtain a replacement Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card by contacting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission by email at bobbercard@myfwc.com. Be sure to include your name, date of birth and address. Boaters can also contact the FWC by calling 850-488-5600.

What is a non-resident boater?

A non-resident who has in their possession proof that he or she has completed a NASBLA-approved Boating Safety Course or equivalency examination from another state.

What is a master of a vessel?

A person licensed by the USCG as a master of a vessel.

Do you need a license to operate a boat in Florida?

No. Boat operators in Florida do not need a driver’s license in order to operate a boat. However, operators who were born on or after January 1st, 1988 are required to obtain a Boating Safety Education ID Card to legally operate a boat powered by a motor of 10 or more.

How long is a TC valid in Florida?

The TC is valid for 90 days. The TC should be available for inspection by a law enforcement officer when operating a vessel in Florida, along with a photo ID. The impact on current TC paper exam providers is minimal. All the current requirements remain the same.

How many questions are asked in the online exam?

The online exam will still be 25 questions, randomly selected from a large bank of questions. If a person passes the exam, they will be provided with an electronic temporary certificate showing their successful completion and their passing score.

What is a TCP in Florida?

The temporary certificate (TC) is a knowledge check which satisfies the requirement for a boater to have a boating safety identification card to operate a boat in Florida.

How long do you have to renew a TC contract?

After July 17, 2019, TC providers that have not submitted current proof of insurance, current valid occupational license, and a letter notifying the Commission of the contractor’s intent to renew the contract at least 60 days prior to their contract’s expiration, will miss their opportunity to remain in the TC program.

Does FWC offer TC exam?

Whether a company is a provider of the paper TC exam, or not, FWC encourages them and their renters to use the new TC online exam. Benefits to liveries using the online TC exam include: They are not required to contract with anyone to use the online TC exam. They are not required to purchase paper TC exams from FWC.

Is there an online TC exam?

Currently, there is one online boating safety education provider, Boat Ed, that has completed the process to offer the TC exam online. Boat Ed’s website offering the online TC exam and study materials can be accessed below. Examinees will have the option to take the exam and/or use study materials. Please see the Boat Ed website for additional information.

Do you need to purchase paper TC exams from FWC?

They are not required to purchase paper TC exams from FWC.

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