What do I need to drive a PWC, Jet Ski or Sea-Doo in Florida
You need a Florida boating license?
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.
So, if you plan to operate a PWC (personal watercraft) (Jet ski, Sea-Doo), you need a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card. This is because PWCs always have engines well over 10 horsepower, which means they fall under Florida’s boating education requirements.
After passing the course, you can carry a Boating Safety Education ID Card or an approved temporary certificate while on the water.
You need to follow Florida’s life jacket rules
Everyone riding or being towed on a personal watercraft (jet ski) must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket (types I, II, III, or V). Inflatable life jackets are not allowed for jet ski use.
You need to use the safety lanyard correctly
If the jet ski has a safety lanyard (kill switch), the operator must always attach it to their body, clothing, or life jacket. This helps shut off the engine if they fall off.
You need to operate your jet ski safely and responsibly
You cannot drive a jet ski with a modified self-circling system. Reckless riding is illegal, including weaving through heavy traffic, jumping boat wakes too closely, swerving at the last second, or operating dangerously in crowded areas. These actions can lead to serious penalties.
You need to follow the nighttime riding restrictions
Jet skis cannot be operated from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, even if they have lights. Navigation lights must still be used during low visibility, such as fog or storms.
You need to respect passenger limits
You cannot carry more passengers than the jet ski is designed for. If you are towing someone (like tubing or skiing), the jet ski must have enough capacity for the operator, an observer (if required), and the person being towed.
