what age is a boater safety course required 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. Florida does not have a "boating license."

Full Answer

What are the boating safety education requirements in Florida?

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.

When did Florida start requiring boaters to have a license?

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. Florida boater safety education requirements anyone 21 years of age and under who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must pass this boater safety course and ...

How long is a Florida boating safety certificate good for?

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 boater safety identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This person must be attendant to and take responsibility …

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

No one under 14 years of age may operate any personal watercraft (PWC) on Florida waters at any time, even if such person possesses a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card. No one under the age of 18 years may rent/lease a PWC. A person must be at least 18 years of age to sign the rental agreement.

Is boater safety course required 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.”

Can a 13 year old get a boating license in Florida?

In the State of Florida, you must be at least 14 years-old to get your boater's license.Dec 6, 2016

Can a 12 year old drive 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. It is unlawful for a person to knowingly allow a person under 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft (a second-degree misdemeanor).

Who has to take 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.

How old do you have to be to not wear a life jacket in Florida?

six yearsChildren under six years of age must wear a USCG–approved life jacket at all times while on any vessel less than 26 feet in length that is underway upon Florida waters. (“Underway” means any time except when the vessel is anchored, moored, docked, or aground.)

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

The minimum age to book a jet ski rental is 16 years old, and you must have a valid photo ID. Anyone under age 18 must have a signed waiver from a parent or guardian who is at least 18 years old. All jet ski drivers—no matter your age—must have a boat safety card, following an on-site safety course.Apr 21, 2015

Do you need a boating license in Florida for a jet ski?

Yes, you need a license to drive a jet ski in Florida if you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1988. To be licensed for a jet ski in Florida, you have to complete a boating safety course, as there is no separate safety course for jet skis.

Do kayaks need to be registered in Florida?

Do you need to register a kayak in Florida? The quick answer is no. Non-motor-powered canoe, kayak, racing shell or rowing scull regardless of length are exempted from registration.

What size boat requires a captain's license in Florida?

The 25, 50, or 100-Ton Master License allows the holder to operate inspected vessels as well as uninspected vessels. Any vessel that is authorized to carry more than six paying passengers must have on board a captain who holds a Master license.

Who needs a boater safety course?

State Boating Requirements/LawsStateWho is required to complete a boating education courseIdahoPeople renting a PWC, boat operators convicted of OUI, repeat offenders of boating laws.IllinoisPersons at least 12 years old and less than 18 years old, if they wish to operate a motorboat by themselves.54 more rows

Do you have to have a boating license to rent a boat in Florida?

Do I need a license to rent and operate a boat in Florida? The short answer is no; the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which regulates boating, does not require a “boating license”. However, it does require that you be familiar with boating safety, which can be demonstrated in different ways.Aug 6, 2019

How do you get boaters license in Florida?

To get your Boater Education Card, you will need to complete an approved boater education course in Florida. The course must be approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Your other option is to pass an approved equivalency test.Mar 10, 2021

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Modern Marine Navigation

Learn the basics of plotting, reading charts, identifying ATONs and using them to find your way on the water.

All About Marine Radio

This course will teach you how to choose the proper Marine VHF radio for your boating style and give you the confidence to operate it effectively.

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

No one under 14 years of age may operate any personal watercraft (PWC) on Florida waters at any time, even if such person possesses a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card. No one under the age of 18 years may rent/lease a PWC. A person must be at least 18 years of age to sign the rental agreement.

What are the requirements to operate a boat?

Operator Age and Education Requirements 1 To operate a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater, a person born on or after January 1, 1988, must have: 2 Completed a boater education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or... 3 Passed an approved equivalency exam or... 4 Passed an approved temporary certificate examination. 5 No one under 14 years of age may operate any personal watercraft (PWC) on Florida waters at any time, even if such person possesses a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card. 6 No one under the age of 18 years may rent/lease a PWC. A person must be at least 18 years of age to sign the rental agreement. 7 It is also illegal for the owner of a PWC to knowingly allow a person under 14 years of age to operate a PWC.

How much horsepower do you need to operate a boat?

To operate a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater, a person born on or after January 1, 1988, must have: Completed a boater education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or...

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

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

Is there an age limit for boating in Florida?

Age restrictions for boaters in Florida. There is no minimum age to operate a boat, however, PW C regulations and boating safety requirements are age specific and do apply.

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. An operator who is accompanied onboard by a person who is exempt from the educational requirements, ...

How long is a temporary boating license valid in Florida?

It is not a substitute for a Boating Safety Education Identification Card and is only valid for 90 days from the date it is issued.

How many horsepower is required to operate a motorboat 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. Florida does not have a "boating license.".

Does Florida have a boating license?

Florida does not have a "boating license.". The Boating Safety Education Identification Card is proof of successful completion of the educational requirements and is valid for life. I've heard there were some changes in the law regarding the requirements to operate a boat in Florida. What were the changes?