Florida Registration and Guidelines
Boating Access Info:
Boat URLs
Boating Education Requirements:
Those persons born after September 30, 1980, are required to complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) boater education course or competency exam prior to operating a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or more. Effective October 1, 1998, every person convicted of two specified noncriminal boating violations within a 12-month period, as well as those convicted of criminal boating offenses and offenses which result in a reportable boating accident, are required to attend a boating safety course. Call your nearest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Regional Office and ask if a "How To Boat Smart" course has been scheduled in your area. (Most courses are scheduled on an as-needed basis depending on demand.) Courses are free! We will even provide the materials. Large groups, clubs, and organizations are always welcome. The BOAT/U.S. Foundation for Boating Safety offers an online course. For more information on other approved boating safety courses call (voice)1-800-336-BOAT (voice1-800-336-2628). This is a national toll-free number provided by BOAT/U.S. which provides information on boating courses given by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the United States Power Squadron, state agencies, and others.
Boat Registration:
All vessels operating with mechanical propulsion devices (such as gas or electric outboards), documented vessels included, operated on state waters, must be registered within 30 days of purchase.
A nonresident vessel already numbered in accordance with an approved numbering system of another state can operate in Florida for 90 days before Florida numbers are required.
Larger boats (generally 32 feet and up) can be documented. Check with the Coast Guard for more information.
You can apply for your certificate of number or registration with your local State Tax Collector or Tag Agency. You will have to show proof of ownership and pay the applicable fees. The vessel registration decal must be renewed annally and is to be displayed within 6 inches of, either before or after, the registration numbers on the port (left) side.
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/dmv/faqboat.html
(voice) 1-850-488-5600
Boating Rules:
Florida law requires that you be 14 years of age to operate any personal watercraft and 16 years of age to rent one. http://www.boatsafe.com/Florida/index.htm
