how long are florida identification cards good for boating course

by Carleton Berge IV 8 min read

Boating Safety ID Card Requirement
This card is not a boating license, it is a certification that the person named on the card has successfully completed the required boating safety course. The card does not expire.

Does a Florida boating license card expire?

This card is not a boating license, it is a certification that the person named on the card has successfully completed the required boating safety course. The card does not expire. You can find information on how to obtain the card below. After you have successfully completed an approved Florida boating safety course, please follow these steps:

How long is a Florida boating safety certificate good for?

The temporary certificate is valid for 90 days and is not intended to be a permanent replacement for the Boating Safety Education Identification Card. For more information on Florida boating laws, boating safety and the Florida Boating Safety Education Program, visit www.myfwc.com.

What is Florida’s boating safety education identification card?

Florida’s Boating Safety Education Identification Card provides proof that the applicant has completed all of the state’s mandatory educational requirements. Depending on the type and size of the vessel, boating license age limits may apply.

Do you need a boat card in Florida?

Typically, a boat card is only required for motorized vehicles and must be held by applicants who were born on or after January 1, 1988. Furthermore, boaters must pass educational courses if they are operating a vessel of 10 or more horsepower.

How long is a Florida boater education temporary certificate valid for?

for 90 daysThe temporary certificate is valid for 90 days and is not intended to be a permanent replacement for the Boating Safety Education Identification Card. I received a temporary certificate from an FWC contractor.

How often must you renew your boater education card in Florida?

Because the education card or certificate does not expire and does not need to be renewed, it is not called the Florida License.

Does boating license expire 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.

What is a Florida boater education ID card?

What is the Boater Education Card? The Boating Safety Education I.D. Card is proof that you have successfully completed all of the components of an approved boater safety course. This card allows boating in Florida.

How often must you renew a boat certificate of number in Florida?

Operators are required to carry their Certificate of Registration on board during boat operation. Certificates of Registration are valid for 1-2 years and decals must be renewed annually.

What is a boat card?

Basically, a boat card is a “business card” with your contact information that you can give to other cruisers, marinas, and even stores, depending on the local custom. For example, in some of the Mexican towns where we cruised on Que Tal, every store you did business with wanted a boat card.

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.

What is required to operate a boat in Florida?

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must pass an approved boater safety course and have in his/her possession photographic identification and a boating safety education identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

How do I replace my Florida boating license?

Florida Boating Safety Education I.D. Card are replaced by the FWC at no charge. For a replacement card, please contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Law Enforcement at 850-488-5600, or e-mail the FWC at [email protected] for further instruction.

How can I get a free Florida ID?

Go to www.GORENEW.com for on-line Florida driver license or identification card renewals, replacements, or address changes. Certain conditions apply. If you already hold a Florida driver license with a digital image, you may also use www.GORENEW.com to request an original Florida identification card.

How do I get a Florida boaters safety card?

How to Get a Boater Education Identification CardTake a course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).Submit a letter with your name, date of birth, return address, phone number and proof of completion of the course:More items...

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

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 can you use a boating safety certificate?

How long can I use the certificate in lieu of the card? The course completion certificate can be used for up to 90 days and it is not a permanent replacement for the Boating Safety Education I.D. Card.

What is the minimum horsepower required to operate a motorboat in Florida?

The state boating requirements are to successfully complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued identification card if were born on or after January 1, 1988 and want to operate a motorboat with 10 horsepower or more.

Is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission approved?

Yes, this course has been approved through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and accepted through the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

Do I need a boating license in Florida?

Do I need a boating license? According to the FWC, Florida does not have a "boating license". The Boating Safety Education Identification Card is proof of successful completion of the educational requirements to start boating, and has no expiration date.

How to get a Florida boating safety card?

After you have successfully completed an approved Florida boating safety course, please follow these steps: 1 Check with your course provider or instructor to see if they will automatically send a request to FWC to issue a card. Many online course providers, and some classroom providers, automatically submit a ID card request to FWC for all of their students who successfully complete an approved Florida course. (Because the course providers are not affiliated with FWC, they must send student information to FWC in order for a card to be issued.) If your course provider automatically sends a request to FWC for your card, you should receive that card within 2 to 3 weeks. 2 If the course provider or instructor is not going to submit the information for FWC to issue a card, you can do so using the course completion certificate you receive from the provider after you have passed the course. For online courses, make sure you can print a copy of this certificate from their website or that you can get an electronic copy. If you take a classroom course, make sure your instructor provides proof of completion. This proof can be a card or certificate, but in order for FWC to issue a boating safety ID card, the proof of completion must have the following information:

Can you use a FWC card after you have passed a course?

If the course provider or instructor is not going to submit the information for FWC to issue a card, you can do so using the course completion certificate you receive from the provider after you have passed the course.

What is the Boater Education Card?

The Boating Safety Education I.D. Card is proof that you have successfully completed all of the components of an approved boater safety course. This card allows boating in Florida.

You Must Carry the Card

Vessel operators who are required to have the Florida Boater Card must carry the card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer. Not carrying your Florida Boater Card when it is required can result in a fine.

Reciprocity

For 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.”)

Other Questions

For these and other questions about your boating card, please check our FAQs.

When do you need a boater's license in Florida?

You are required to have a Florida boater education identification card if you were born on or after January 1, 1988 and want to operate a vessel of 10 horsepower or more. You must also carry photographic identification.

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

A person must be at least 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft in Florida. A person must be at least 18 years of age to rent a personal watercraft in Florida.

How long does it take to get a boat registered?

Vessels must be registered and numbered within 30 days of purchase. Registration numbers must be displayed on the forward half of the vessel on both sides above the waterline. The numbers must be bold block letters at least 3" high in a color contrasting to the hull.

What is the number to call for boating safety in Florida?

Note: This information is accurate as of September 2017 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.

What type of exhaust is used on an airboat in Florida?

The exhaust of every engine used on any airboat operated in Florida must use an automotive-style factory muffler, underwater exhaust, or other manufactured device capable of adequately muffling the sound of the engine exhaust. The use of cutouts or flex pipe as the sole source of muffling is prohibited.

How old do you have to be to be a boat operator?

An operator who is accompanied onboard by a person who is least 18 years old and possesses the required Boating Safety Education Identification Card, provided that person is attendant to and responsible for the safe operation of the vessel.

How long is a Florida violator course?

Violator courses require approximately 4 hours to complete and must be taken through a specified State of Florida-approved online course. A violator's privilege to operate a vessel in Florida is suspended until proof of course completion is filed with the FWC. Frequently Asked Questions.

What is the responsibility of an operator of a vessel?

All operators are responsible for operating their ves sel in a reasonable and prudent manner with regard for other vessel traffic, posted restrictions, the presence of a divers-down flag and other circumstances so as not to endanger people outside of the vessel or property.

When can you use a PFD on a personal watercraft?

Personal watercraft may not be operated from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, even if navigation lights are used .

How long is a Florida boating license valid?

The temporary certificate is only valid for one year.

What are the boating rules in Florida?

Florida boating regulations state that any applicant convicted of a criminal violation or non-criminal infraction must complete educational courses before an ID card can be issued. Exceptions may apply. Violations of boating laws may result in a first or second-degree misdemeanor.

What age do you need a boating license?

Typically, a boat card is only required for motorized vehicles and must be held by applicants who were born on or after January 1, 1988. Furthermore, boaters must pass educational courses if they are operating a vessel of 10 or more horsepower.

What is a Coast Guard member?

A member of the United States Coast Guard. A boater operating a vessel on a private lake or pond. A boater who is accompanied by a licensed adult who holds a license or is exempt from holding a card. A non-resident boater who can show proof that they have passed an equivalent boaters safety course.

What are the rules and regulations for boating?

The following rules and regulations apply to all eligible boaters. You must notify the authorities if you are involved in a boating accident and stay at the scene. You will be issued with a first-degree misdemeanor if found operating a vessel recklessly. You must adhere to posted speeding signs when applicable.

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

Furthermore, boaters must be at least 18 years old to rent a vessel. Residents must carry a boater education card and a photo ID or official Florida driver’s license with them at all times when operating a motorized vessel over 10 horsepower.

How much does a boating license cost?

The fee for a boating license varies depending on the type of course taken. Educational courses may range from $0 to $30. While an education course may incur a fee and is required to receive a boating ID card, the ID card itself is free.

How long does a military license last in Florida?

If you are not eligible to renew online at GoRenew.com and hold a Class E (Operator) driver license, the department can issue a military extension card that extends the expiration date of the license you currently hold until 90 days after you permanently return to Florida or are discharged from the military.

How long is a child's ID card valid?

What is the fee for an ID card for a child and how long will the ID card be valid? Original, renewal and replacement ID cards are $25.00, regardless of the age of the customer. Children ages 5 through 14 are eligible for an ID card and it is valid for four years. After age 14, ID cards are valid for eight years.

How much does it cost to renew a veteran's license?

Along with the normal renewal and applicable service fees, pay a one-time $1 fee. (If it is too soon to renew your license, customers may pay a one-time $2 fee plus other applicable service fees to add the veteran designation to their license.)

How old do you have to be to drive a motorcycle in Florida?

No one under 16 years of age may legally operate or be licensed to operate any of the following two or three-wheel motor vehicles on Florida roads, streets or highways: motorcycles, mopeds, motor-driven cycles, motorized scooters or electric helper-motor bicycles as defined in s. 316.003 (2) F.S.

What do non-US citizens need to pass?

Non US Citizens must present proof of legal presence. All applicants must show proof that they have completed a traffic law and substance abuse education course and will be required to pass vision and hearing tests, road rules and road sign tests, plus a driving test.

When will the TSA stop accepting drivers licenses?

If your current driver license or ID card does not have a star in the upper right corner, the Transportation Security Administration will stop accepting it as proof of identification at airports on October 1, 2021. After October 1, 2021, you will need a REAL ID compliant credential as proof of identity for the TSA security screening.

Do you need a driver's license to drive in Florida?

Military service members and their families who live and drive in Florida, may do so with a valid out-of-state driver license. There is no requirement to obtain a Florida driver license when military and their family members move to Florida, take a job or enroll their children in public schools.

How long does it take to get a boating safety certificate?

A person operating a boat within 90 days after completing a NASBLA-approved Boating Safety Course, who has photo ID and a certificate showing proof of completion of a Boating Safety Course. The certificate must display the person’s first and last name, their date of birth and the date the course was completed.

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

In Florida, no person under 14 years of age is permitted to operate a personal watercraft (PWC), even if they have obtained their Boating Safety Education ID Card.

How many horsepower do you need to get a boating license in Florida?

The Florida Boating License is required for any person born on or after January 1st, 1988 in order for them to operate a boat with a motor of 10 horsepower or more. To obtain a Florida Boating License, boaters must complete a NASBLA-approved Boating Safety Course, or pass an equivalency exam.

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. A person who is operating a boat within 90 days of purchasing the boat and has available for inspection, a bill of sale meeting Florida’s requirements.

What is a master boater?

A person licensed by the USCG as a master of a vessel. A person operating exclusively on a private lake or pond. An operator who is accompanied on board by a person who is at least 18 years old and who has obtained a Boating Safety Education ID Card, provided that the person is responsible for the safe operation of the boat.

Do you need a boating license in Florida?

According to Florida’s boating license Boat operators in Florida are required to obtain a Boating Safety Education ID Card (commonly referred to as a ‘boating license’) and are required to carry it on board during boat operation. They are also required to carry photo ID on the boat while operating. The Florida Boating License is required ...

Do you need a boating safety card to rent a boat?

All renters who are required by law to have obtained a Boating Safety Education ID Card, must have the card in their possession in order to rent a boat. Rental facilities are required to provide pre-rental instruction to renters with safe separation information (for boats of 10 horsepower or more). The person instructing must have completed ...

What Is The Boater Education Card?

  • The Boating Safety Education I.D. Card is proof that you have successfully completed all of the components of an approved boater safety course. This card allows boating in Florida.
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Exemptions

  • Operators are exempt from needing to get the 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 a…
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You Must Carry The Card

  • Vessel operators who are required to have the Florida Boater Card must carry the card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer. Not carrying your Florida Boater Card when it is required can result in a fine.
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Reciprocity

  • For 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.”)
See more on boat-ed.com