when do i need florida boating safety course

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. Who is exempt from having to obtain a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card? A person licensed by the USCG as a master of a vessel.

Full Answer

What are the boating rules 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.

How to BOATsmart Florida boating safety course answers?

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 …

What are the requirements to operate a boat in Florida?

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 do you get a Florida boating license?

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.”. Start Now →.

Who needs a boater safety course?

Who needs boaters safety in Florida?

Who is exempt from Florida boater education requirement?

Do you need a Florida boating license?

What is required to have on a boat in Florida?

What is the legal age to drive a boat in Florida?

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

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

Do you need a license to drive a pontoon boat in Florida?

Can you drink on a boat in Florida?

How much does it cost to get a boating license in Florida?

How do I get my Florida boating license online?

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...

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.

Does Florida have 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.

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.

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.

Here's how to get started or return to your course

We launched a completely new platform for our free online course on 11/18/2020! Our old course system is officially retired but if you need to access your certificate of completion, you can request a copy through this form

Questions About Cards

You can print your 90-day temporary course completion certificate from your My Courses screen or your completion email and use it immediately.

Great course, and so much more convenient than going at night for several nights... Keep up the great work, and see you on the water

Thank you so much! This was a great course and I learned so much. Hope you have a great weekend!

How to Use GPS

Are you new to electronics on your boat or uncomfortable with the operation of the electronics that you have? We can help!

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 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.

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.

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 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?

Can you be a master of a boat?

Yes, there are some exemptions. Below is a list of those exemptions. A person licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel. A person operating on a private lake or pond. An operator who is accompanied onboard by a person who is least 18 years old and possesses the required Boating Safety Education Identification Card, ...

Can I get a temporary boating license in Florida?

No. The Temporary Certificate is a certificate that allows an individual to temporarily meet Florida's boating education requirements. 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. If I am required to have a boating safety ID card to operate my boat ...

How long does a boating safety certificate last?

You must have the certificate with you (along with a photo ID) while operating the boat. The course completion certificate can be used for up to 90 days and it is not a permanent replacement for the Boating Safety Education ID Card.

Step 2: Send Your Information To The Commission

Upon completion of the course, you’ll need to send a request for the boat safety education i.d. to the FWC with the following information:

Step 3: Receive the boating safety card & start boating legally

Once you’ve submitted all the required documents to the above address, you simply wait until your card has arrived and you are good to go.

Conclusion

The licensing requirements for boating in Florida aren’t too complicated. You can be sorted and ready to go in as little as 4 weeks and in most cases sooner. Again, as mentioned above, you’ll need to complete a boat safety course.

Do you need a boating license in Florida?

While a license is not required in Florida to operate a boat, an education card must be obtained. Florida’s Boating Safety Education Identification Card provides proof that the applicant has completed all of the state’s mandatory educational requirements.

How long is a Florida boating license valid?

The temporary certificate is only valid for one year.

Do Florida boating licenses expire?

Do Florida boating licenses expire? No. Once issued, a safety education card is valid for life. The course certificate and ID card may be used while you wait for your permanent card to be issued.

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 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.

What is the legal alcohol level for boating in Florida?

You must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol when operating a vessel. Florida boating rules state that a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or higher is considered under the influence.

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.