What is required to operate a boat 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.

What all is required on a boat in Florida?

What is every vessel operator required to do Florida?

➢ Florida law states that every vessel operator born in 1988 or after, is required to possess proof of boater safety education along with a photo ID while on board.

Do you need a boat license to own 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.

Do you need anything to 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.

5 MUST KNOW Boat Navigation Tips!

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.

What do you have to have on a boat?

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.

What is every vessel operator required to do?

Every operator must keep a proper lookout, using both sight and hearing, at all times. Watch and listen for other vessels, radio communications, navigational hazards, and others involved in water activities. Maintain a safe speed.

Do you have to have a fire extinguisher on a boat in Florida?

Fire Extinguishers

In Florida, all powered boats with inboard motors are required to carry at least one fire extinguisher designated with a B-I classification, unless the boat exceeds 26 feet in length.

What equipment must you have on board if your vessel is 16 feet or longer?

Life Jackets and personal floatation devices – The USCG requires one approved – Type I, II, III, or V, life jacket or life vest per person on board. If the vessel is 16 feet or more in length, one throwable floatation device – Type IV – like a ring is required as well.

Do you have to have a VHF radio on a boat in Florida?

The short answer is, yes, you most definitely need a VHF radio or 2-way radio particularly if you boat any significant distance from the shore.

Which side do you pass a boat on?

If you meet another boat head-on: Under the boating rules of the road, vessels approaching each other head-on are always supposed to pass each other port to port — or left to left, just like on the road.

When you see a red buoy What should you do?

A type of red marker is the cone-shaped nun buoy. Red and green colors or lights are placed where a channel splits in two. If green is on top, keep the buoy on your left to continue along the preferred channel. If red is on top, keep the buoy on your right.

Which requirement must be met in order for a stand on vessel to take action to avoid collision?

Rule 17 - Action by Stand-on Vessel

(b) When, from any cause, the vessel required to keep her course and speed finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, she shall take such action as will best aid to avoid collision.

Which of the following pieces of safety equipment is required on your boat and must appear as an item on your pre departure checklist?

Equipment. Make sure that you have the required number of lifejackets or PFDs, that they are in good condition, and that they are the proper sizes for the persons on board. Encourage everyone to wear a lifejacket or PFD.

What size of boat requires flares?

These are the requirements from the Small Vessel Regulations. Pleasure craft 6 metres (19.7 feet) or less in length and equipped with a motor must have: 3 type A, B*, or C flares or… A watertight flashlight.

Can you ride on the bow of a boat 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.

How many life jackets are required on a boat?

Federal law requires that all boats be equipped with one wearable life jacket for each passenger onboard the boat (wearable life jackets include Types I, II, III, or V). As the boat operator, it's your responsibility to provide a life jacket for each of your passengers.

What is a requirement of a manual water pump?

Manual water Pump requirements

If you have a manual water pump, the pump and hose must be long enough to reach the bilge and discharge water over the side of the boat.

What safety equipment is required on a personal watercraft?

A magnetic compass is required if the Personal Watercraft (PWC) is navigated out of sight of seamarks and navigation lights (as per the Collision Regulations) are required if the PWC is operated after sunset or before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility.

Do you need insurance on a boat trailer in Florida?

For the most part, Florida law does not require a separate insurance policy for the trailer that you use to haul your boat, horses, yard equipment, motorcycles or a myriad of other items that people haul in trailers for in this state.

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.

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

Any vessel that is authorized to carry more than six paying passengers must have on board a captain who holds a Master license.

What side of the buoy do you stay on?

The expression “red right returning” has long been used by seafarers as a reminder that the red buoys are kept to the starboard (right) side when proceeding from the open sea into port (upstream). Likewise, green buoys are kept to the port (left) side (see chart below).