![\"Getting-the-Most-Out-of-Your-Florida-Fishing-Trips\"](\"https:\/\/portsanibelmarina.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Getting-the-Most-Out-of-Your-Florida-Fishing-Trips-full.jpg\")
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It\u2019s practically a fact: Florida is a boater\u2019s paradise. The Sunshine State is 18.5% water, which means this wet and wild wonderland is the perfect place to enjoy your time on a boat. However, if you\u2019re planning a day on the water in a boat, you\u2019ll need to know the rules before you set out to sea (or river, canal, or lake). You might have questions, and we have answers. Let\u2019s start with the basics: do you need a boating license in Florida?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you need a boating license in Florida? The answer isn\u2019t as simple as it may seem. While Florida doesn\u2019t necessarily require a boating license, you do need to show you\u2019re qualified to operate a boat. Most people who drive a boat in Florida need to show proof that they have completed an approved boater safety course by earning a Boating Safety Education Identification Card.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, there are a few things you need to know about Florida boating licenses and safety requirements before you take the helm. Let\u2019s look at some of the details around boater safety in Florida. You\u2019ll get the information you need to spend time on the water by playing it safe and following the rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Florida doesn\u2019t require a license to operate a boat in the same way the state requires a driver\u2019s license to operate a car. That doesn\u2019t mean just anyone can take the helm, though. There are a few requirements you\u2019ll need to be aware of before operating a boat in Florida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to information from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission<\/a> (FWC), which oversees boater safety in Florida, you need to complete a boating safety education course before operating most vessels on the state\u2019s waters. This rule applies if you were born on or after January 1, 1988.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can prove that you\u2019ve successfully completed the course by showing the Boating Safety Education ID certificate or card you earned upon completion. This boater education certificate or card is issued by the FWC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These rules apply if you plan to operate a motorboat with an engine of more than 10 horsepower. This means proof of course completion isn\u2019t required if you plan to paddle a kayak or canoe or use a boat with a smaller engine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, while Florida doesn\u2019t have a boating license, per se, <\/em>there are rules around who can drive a boat. Let\u2019s look at some of the rules other rules around boating safety education requirements, the operation of a vessel, and other rules. Boating is a part of life for many folks in Florida. And for many boaters, the love of spending time at the helm starts early in life. In fact, FWC rules allow anyone aged 14 and over to operate a boat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As noted above, boat operators born on or after January 1, 1988, are required to show completion of a Florida boating safety education course. This means that boaters aged 14 and up are required to have a boater safety education ID card issued by the FWC. If you\u2019re a boater over age 34 (as of September 2022), you\u2019re exempt from this rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is anyone else exempt from the boater safety education course requirement? Yes. If you\u2019re a new boat owner who has purchased the vessel within the past 90 days, you aren\u2019t required to show proof of course completion. After 90 days, though, you\u2019ll need to have a Florida boating safety education ID card or certification to legally operate your vessel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spending a day on a boat is a quintessential Florida experience, regardless of whether you\u2019re a native Floridian or just visiting the Sunshine State. Renting a boat is a great way to get out and enjoy the water without the hassle of boat ownership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you need a license to rent a boat in Florida? The same rules apply. While you don\u2019t need a boating license, you will need a boater safety ID card in most cases to rent and operate a vessel. Florida does offer a temporary certificate, which you can find from varying vendors around the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are there other rules in Florida around who can rent a boat in Florida? Yes. There is an age requirement to legally rent a boat in Florida. State-wide, you must be over 18 years of age to rent a boat in Florida. However, here at Port Sanibel Marina, you\u2019ll also need to be at least 25 years old and have a valid driver\u2019s license before taking the helm. You can learn more about renting a boat at Port Sanibel Marina by checking out our Boat Rental FAQs<\/a>. These rules are in place to protect both the Marina and those who operate our boats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll likely find that you are required to follow rules related to boater safety education when operating a boat in Florida. However, you might be exempt from the boating safety education ID rules if you meet a few conditions set by Florida Statutes Chapter 327<\/a> and Chapter 328<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People exempt from Florida boating license or boater safety ID requirements include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The costs associated with earning the required boating safety education identification card can vary. In some cases, courses might be free and you\u2019ll have to pay for testing and certifications. In other cases, you might pay a little for the course but certification is included. You can take the required course in a classroom or online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find a list of approved boater safety education courses online.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n After completing the course, either online or in a classroom, you\u2019ll need to obtain a free Florida Boating Safety ID Card issued by the FWC. Most course providers will submit the information required to obtain this card to the state for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also obtain the card yourself should the course provider not. In order to get your own Florida Boating Safety ID Card, you\u2019ll need to submit the following pieces of information to the FWC:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll also need to submit your name, date of birth, return address, and contact phone number. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can mail this information to the FWC at the following address:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission You can also email course completion information to Bobbercard@MYFWC.com<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve earned your boater safety education card or certificate, it\u2019s good for life. That means your boater education certification does not expire and will not need to be renewed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your Florida boating safety education course will educate you on all the boating laws you\u2019ll need to follow in the Sunshine State. However, it\u2019s important to know the basics. Here are a few Florida boating laws you\u2019ll need to follow when you\u2019re ready to take the helm:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The notion of kicking back on the boat with a cool drink in hand is how many people envision their time on the water. But is it legal to drink on a boat in Florida? The answer is yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Florida doesn\u2019t have any laws barring the use of alcohol on a boat. That means that boat passengers are legally able to enjoy a cold one while they\u2019re relaxing on deck. However, boat operators should steer clear of alcohol at the helm. Boating under the influence is a serious infraction. Do you need a boating license in Florida? While a specific boating license isn\u2019t required, you will need to meet boating safety education requirements and hold a Boating Safety Education ID Card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you\u2019re ready to launch your boat, consider doing so from Port Sanibel Marina. By partnering with the Boat Cloud Launch app<\/a>, you can schedule your splash time at Port Sanibel Marina right from the palm of your hand. Using the app to schedule your time lets our operators have your boat ready to go when you\u2019re ready to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDoes Florida Have a Boating License?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"PSM-Who-Can-Drive-a-Boat-in-Florida\"](\"https:\/\/portsanibelmarina.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/PSM-Who-Can-Drive-a-Boat-in-Florida.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWho Can Drive a Boat in Florida?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Who Needs to Complete a Boater Safety Course?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do I Need a License to Rent a Boat in Florida?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Boat in Florida?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Who is Exempt from Florida Boating License?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n![\"PSM-How-Much-is-a-Florida-Boating-License\"](\"https:\/\/portsanibelmarina.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/PSM-How-Much-is-a-Florida-Boating-License.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nHow Much is a Florida Boating License?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Division of Law Enforcement
Boating Safety Unit
620 South Meridian Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Long is a Florida Boating License Good?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Other Florida Boating Laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Is it Legal to Drink on a Boat in Florida?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n![\"Enjoy-Florida-Boating-from-Port-Sanibel-Marina\"](\"https:\/\/portsanibelmarina.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Enjoy-Florida-Boating-from-Port-Sanibel-Marina.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nEnjoy Florida Boating from Port Sanibel Marina<\/h2>\n\n\n\n