FL boating license question

[CBulla]

There are no boater licensing requirements in FL. Anyone, whether they are qualified or not, can purchase a boat of any size for private use and drive it around.

 

[fisheyeview]

We usually see at least one boating fatality during mini season each year. It is usually the result of an inexperienced boater running over a diver.

I'm with Onespeed on this one. Mini season is not the time to try boating in the Keys for the first time.

 

[deepstops]

There are no boater licensing requirements in FL. Anyone, whether they are qualified or not, can purchase a boat of any size for private use and drive it around.

Provided you're 22 years old or older.

FLORIDA BOATER SAFETY EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Anyone 21 years of age and under who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must pass the 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.

 

[CBulla]

Provided you're 22 years old or older.

Yeah - its like a CPR card or gun safety class. I don't see many under 21 utilizing boats in our waters here in SWFL (it could be different in other counties though!), its predominately people older than that.

 

[ONESPEED]

Yeah - its like a CPR card or gun safety class. I don't see many under 21 utilizing boats in our waters here in SWFL (it could be different in other counties though!), its predominately people older than that.

We have an amazing amount of young kids operating boats here in SE Florida. I used to sell boats and you would be amazed at how many parents are buying young kids surprisingly high powered boats.

 

[fisheyeview]

Yeah - its like a CPR card or gun safety class. I don't see many under 21 utilizing boats in our waters here in SWFL (it could be different in other counties though!), its predominately people older than that.

That's what happens when you live in an area where the median age is 85.

In the Keys the kids grow up with a boat throttle in one hand, and a beer in the other.

 

[deepstops]

We have an amazing amount of young kids operating boats here in SE Florida. I used to sell boats and you would be amazed at how many parents are buying young kids surprisingly high powered boats.

I had a 13' Whaler with a Merc 40 at the age of 12. And Dad's Gulf Oil card to use at Lauderdale Marina

 

[mike_s]

Yeah, FL doesn't require a liscense - probably not the wisest decision for a state with so much water

Actually, I agree with you that they don't have the wisest deisisons for their boat license laws, but they do have some laws about operating a boat if you're under 21.

I'm sure the reason they don't have stricter laws is the boat manufacturers lobby the legislature saying that license laws would hurt their sales.



from Florida State Boating Law Summary Lhttp://myfwc.com/boating/safety/law_summary.htm

BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Anyone 21 years of age and under 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 boating safety education identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. A person is exempt from this requirement if there is a person on board who is not affected by this law or is at least 18 years of age and holds a boater education I.D. card. This person must be attendant to and take responsibility for the safe operation of the vessel.

Also:
A person must be at least 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft in this state.
A person must be at least 18 years of age to rent a personal watercraft in this state.
​

To rent a boat, you just have to be 18 (and have the boater safety card) or 21 and take a safety briefing from the rental provider.

 

[OceanObsessed]

I had a 13' Whaler with a Merc 40 at the age of 12. And Dad's Gulf Oil card to use at Lauderdale Marina

Damn, you must have been one of the rich kids. I had to siphon gas out of my dads car

 

[GLENFWB]

Just watch how the people drive the rented pontoon boats in Destin during the summer and you will KNOW that they don't require a liscense! Holy smokes I have seen some crazy stuff!

Yeah, FL doesn't require a liscense - probably not the wisest decision for a state with so much water