Official Florida Boating License

Who needs a boating license in Florida?

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FAQ - Boating in Florida

Do I need a boating license in Florida?

Florida law requires 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 education ID card issued by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Florida does not have a "boating license." The online boating safety education ID is proof of successful completion of the educational requirements and is valid for life.

Who is exempt from having to acquire a boater education card?

• 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, 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, provided that person is attendant to and responsible for the safe operation of the vessel.

• A nonresident who has in his or her possession proof that he or she has completed an approved boating safety course or equivalency examination from another state.

• A person is operating a vessel within 90 days after the purchase of that vessel and has available for inspection aboard that vessel a bill of sale.

• A person operating a vessel within 90 days after completing an approved boating safety course, as required in Chapter 327.395(1), and has a photographic I.D. and a boater education course completion certificate showing proof of having completed the required boating safety education course. The course completion certificate must provide the student's first and last name, date of birth, and the date the course was successfully completed.

Do I need a Florida Boating Safety Certificate if I'm only operating a jet ski/PWC?

Everyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must have a boater education identification card and photographic ID to operate a motorized vessel – including PWC – of 10 horsepower or more in Florida.

I do not have a driver's license. Can I still get the Florida Boating Safety Certificate?

You are not required to have a state driver's license in order to obtain a boater education card.

Is Florida Boating Safety Certificate accepted in other states?

Yes. All states that require boater education certification will recognize the Boat Operator's Certificate, due to a NASBLA approved course reciprocity for non-residents.

What are the age restrictions to drive a motorboat in the state of 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.

Do I need a boating safety certificate to rent a boat?

If you intend to rent a boat in Florida, you can get a Florida Boat Rental Temporary Certificate online which will allow you to rent and operate a boat in Florida, which will be valid for 90 days.

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How long are boating cards valid in Florida?

Forever - they do not expire.

What does the Florida boater safety course cost?

Only $ 39.95 (online course, final test and online certificate included).