What is the new boating law in Florida?
A sweeping new law set to take effect on July 1, 2025, marks a major shift in how law enforcement interacts with Florida boaters. Known as the “Boater Freedom Act,” the law prohibits law enforcement officers from stopping or boarding vessels without probable cause or a suspected violation. While Florida does not have a boating license, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 is required to either have successfully completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating education course or have passed an equivalent course or temporary certificate examination.Of course, both vacationers and residents can also choose to take the BoatUS Foundation’s NASBLA- and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission-approved free online state boating safety course, which offers the only free way to earn a Florida boating safety certificate that never expires.As of January 2023, Florida requires every renter to show proof of insurance under The Boating Safety Act of 2022. Other states are watching closely, and many marinas already insist on coverage even where the law doesn’t.Do I Need a License to Rent a Boat in Florida? To rent a boat in Florida, you need to complete an approved Boating Safety Course. The FWC website links to approved courses for this. If you were born before January 1, 1988 you are exempt from needing this certificate.
What do you need to rent a boat in Florida?
Do i need a license to rent a boat in florida? To rent a boat in florida, you need to complete an approved boating safety course. The fwc website links to approved courses for this. If you were born before january 1, 1988 you are exempt from needing this certificate. Technically, florida does not issue a traditional boating license florida, but if you want to rent and operate a boat, you’ll need a boating safety education identification card which many people refer to as a boating license florida.You can’t drink in a vehicle, or even carry an open bottle of alcohol. Boating in Florida is a different story. Not only is it OK to have beer aboard a boat, everyone can chug, even the captain. The only restriction on the operator of the boat: Don’t exceed the blood-alcohol level considered to be legally drunk.Beginning on January 1, 2023, Boat Rental Operators, or Liveries, in Florida have been required to obtain annual permits as well as have valid insurance for both the business operations and for their customer, the renter.Step 3: Obtain your Florida boat license Your official Identification Card will then arrive by mail in 3-4 weeks. You’re ready to go boating on Florida waters!If you’re wondering whether you can carry a gun on a boat in Florida, the answer is generally yes — especially if you have a valid concealed carry permit.
What is the Lucy’s law in Florida for boating?
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed Lucy’s Law – a bill named after a 17-year-old South Florida student who died in a boating accident – that aims to enhance boater safety, into law. The Lucy Fernandez Foundation posted on Instagram Friday that DeSantis signed the bill. A sweeping new law set to take effect on July 1, 2025, marks a major shift in how law enforcement interacts with Florida boaters. Known as the “Boater Freedom Act,” the law prohibits law enforcement officers from stopping or boarding vessels without probable cause or a suspected violation.Starting Tuesday, boat operators can face stricter penalties if they flee accidents, don’t provide assistance to other people or provide false information to first responders. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a measure, known as Lucy’s Law, that includes the changes last Friday.
How much is a boating license in Florida?
Card in 3 easy steps: Pay the one-time fee of $39. Study the Florida Boaters Safety Course, and pass the final exam. Print your Certificate of Completion, and receive your permanent Florida Boating Safety Education I. D. How much does boat insurance cost in Florida? Florida boat insurance cover costs $652 per year, on average, whereas medium-cost states have an annual policy cost of $344, on average. Low-cost states have an annual boat liability insurance premium average of $263.
What is the drinking law in Florida for boating?
Yes, it is legal for passengers to drink alcohol on a boat in Florida. However, the boat operator must remain sober and comply with Florida’s Boating Under the Influence (BUI) laws. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for boat operators is 0. BAC limit is 0. Yes, you can operate a boat in Florida even if your driver’s license is suspended. Since a license is not required to operate a boat, a driver’s license suspension, including suspensions due to DUI or BUI, does not impact your ability to operate a boat.Potential Consequences for Receiving a DUI on a Boat in Florida. The operator of a boat found to have a BAC higher than 0. BUI offense. A second BUI conviction results in a fine no less $1,000 and up to $2,000.