How old do you have to be to 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).

Do you need a driver's license to drive a boat in Florida?

Technically, Florida does not require a “license”, but the Boating Safety ID Card serves the same purpose. Boaters must also have a valid photo ID on hand while operating a boat. Not having your Boating Safety ID Card with you while operating a boat will result in a fine.

Can a 15 year old drive a boat alone in Florida?

Age and Operator Restrictions

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 Boating Safety Education I.D. Card. No one under the age of 18 years may rent/lease a PWC.

At what age do you have to have a boating license 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.

What do you need to legally drive a boat in Florida?

In Florida, there's no such thing as an actual “boating license.” However, Florida does have rules around who can legally drive a boat in the state. Most Florida boaters are required to complete a boating safety education course, take and pass a boating safety test and obtain their boating safety cards.

Do I need a license to operate a boat?

Can anyone drive a boat in Florida?

Do I need a license? 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 much is a boating license in Florida?

Get boater certified in 3 steps.

Study and pass the $39.95 online course. Print your online course completion document.

Can you drive a boat at 14 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).

Do I need a license to drive a jet ski in Florida?

no need to print it out. Anyone born on or after January 1st, 1988 is required by law to have a boating license permit to operate a personal watercraft in the state of Florida.

Do you need a license to rent a jet ski in Florida?

You DO need a boating license or at least a temporary boating certification to operate any personal watercraft. Florida residents: Florida law requires anyone who was born on or after Jan.

Can a 13 year old drive a boat in NC?

Anyone 13 years old or older may operate a PWC in North Carolina provided that they have successfully completed a boater safety education course and carry on board proof of age and a North Carolina Boater Safety Education Certificate, or they are accompanied by someone at least 18 years old and who meets the education ...

Can a 12 year old drive a boat in NC?

Any person under the age of 12 can not operate a motor boat of more than 6 horse power. Must be 16 years of age or older and have a boating safety certificate.

Can a 12 year old drive a boat in California?

Age and Operator Restrictions

Persons 12 to 15 years of age may operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including PWCs, if they are supervised on board by a person at least 18 years of age and in possession of his/her California Boater Card.

Is it hard to drive a boat?

Driving a boat is more complicated than driving a car, so it's not surprising that you're nervous about your trip. But it sounds like your friend has quite a bit of experience driving a boat (he or she is a boat owner after all), so you should have guidance to help you along the way.

Do you drive boats?

If it's a sailing boat, you sail it. If you're the captain of a ship, you skipper it, and if you're the helmsman, you steer or helm it, but otherwise, there's no general term.

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

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. Jet ski rental passengers do not have any age restrictions.

Is boat insurance required in Florida?

Boat insurance isn't legally required in Florida, but that doesn't make it ok for Florida boaters to skip coverage. If it would be painful to replace your boat out-of-pocket, you should probably insure it. Homeowners insurance probably doesn't cover your boat or the resulting medical bills if anyone is injured.

Is Bow riding illegal in Florida?

***UPDATE*** Bow Riding in Florida is actually NOT against the law anymore due to HB 703 passed in 2016. The new law states that you can't be ticketed for it. Leave it up to the politicians to make bad decisions. Bow riding is still illegal in many other states and in federal waters.

Can a 13 year old drive a boat in Michigan?

Boating rules

A person under age 12 may operate a boat with a person onboard at least 16 years of age if the engine does not exceed 35 horsepower. From ages 12 to 15, a person can exceed the lower speed limits with a boating safety certificate on board or a person 16 or older.

Is a flare gun required on a boat in Florida?

Vessels on federally controlled waters must be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard-approved visual distress signals (flares). All vessels, regardless of length or type, are required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise.

Does a Florida boaters license expire?

The boating safety education i.d. card is proof that you have successfully completed a boating safety course. The boating safety education i.d. card does not expire and does not need to be renewed.

Can you get a Florida boating license online?

When you successfully complete the course and exam online, you will receive a course completion certificate by mail or email. We will automatically report your completion to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for issuance of your Boater Safety Education I.D.

Do you need a boaters license to rent 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.

Can passengers drink on a boat in Florida?

When can I drink on a boat in Florida? Florida boat operators and passengers may drink alcohol on the boat. However, boat operators may not become intoxicated under any circumstance by alcohol or drugs.

Can a 13 year old drive a boat in Maryland?

Boating Age Requirements

In Maryland, no one may operate a motor-powered vessel involved in towing activities if they are under the age of 12 (or under the age of 16 if operating a PWC). Personal watercraft operators must be at least 16 years of age and have a boating safety certificate.