BOATER EDUCATION ID CARD
Your Florida Boater Education I.D Card, more commonly known as a ‘Florida Boating License’ proves that you have taken an approved Boating Safety Course and have obtained the knowledge to operate a boat safely. In Florida, a Boater Education I.D. Card is required for anyone operating a motorized boat with an engine of 10 horsepower or greater, who were born after January 1, 1988.
OBTAINING YOUR FLORIDA BOATING LICENSE
You can obtain your Florida boating license by taking the online BOATsmart! Course – you’ll be on the water with confidence in just a few hours.
Get your Official Florida
Boating License
The Official NASBLA and Florida State-Approved Boating Course, Test & License.
Get your Official Florida
Boating License
The Official NASBLA and Florida State-Approved Boating Course, Test & License.
WHAT ARE FLORIDA’S LIFE JACKET REQUIREMENTS
Florida’s boaters are required to carry at least one Coast Guard approved, wearable life jacket, for each passenger on board the boat. If your boat is over 16 feet in length, you are also required to carry a Type IV (throwable) flotation device on board. Adults are not required to wear life jackets at all times while boating, however it is recommended that you do, particularly if you are not a strong swimmer.
Children 6 years of age and under in Florida are required to wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket when underway on any boat that is under 26 feet in length.
FLORIDA BOATING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONAL WATERCRAFTS (PWCS)
PWC operators born after December 31, 1987 are required to have taken an approved Florida Boating Safety Course and have obtained a Boater Education I.D. Card in order to legally operate a PWC (i.e. WaveRunner or Jet Ski).
BOATING AND ALCOHOL
In Florida, it’s illegal to operate any boat (including any type of paddle craft) while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. it is also illegal to be under the influence when using water-skis, a sailboard, or a similar device.
Boaters are considered to be ‘under the influence’ in Florida if they have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher; OR if they are under the age of 21 and have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of 0.02% or higher.
In Florida, convicted boaters will be subject to a minimum fine of to $500 and up to 6 months imprisonment. Subsequent convictions will face more severe penalties and steeper fines. Why would you ever take the risk? Stay safe and stay sober, boat operators.
FLORIDA’S BOAT ACCIDENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
If you’ve been involved in a boating accident in Florida and a person was killed, disappeared from the boat, was badly injured and required medical treatment or there was property damage exceeding $2,000, you’ll be required to submit a Boat Accident Report as quickly as possible, to any of the following law authorities:
The Division of Law Enforcement, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The County Sheriff (where the accident occurred).
The Municipal Police Department (where the accident occurred).
Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website for more information about the proper procedures for reporting boat accidents in Florida.
FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION CONTACT INFORMATION
The BOATsmart! Course has been approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. For more information about safe boating in Florida, contact the Department at:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(850) 488-4676
620 S. Meridian Street
Tallahassee, FL
32399-1600
https://myfwc.com
