What is the new law in Florida for boating?
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. DUI laws apply to drivers operating a motor vehicle on public roads, while BUI laws apply to boaters navigating waterways. Florida law enforcement officers, the Coast Guard, and other agencies actively patrol for impaired boaters, especially in high-traffic boating areas.Can You Drink While Operating a Boat in Florida? According to the Florida Statutes, it is against the law for a person to operate a boat while they are under the influence. However, as long as a person is of age, it is not illegal for a person to simply consume alcohol while they are operating a boat.
What are the boating laws in Florida?
A person must be at least 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft in Florida. A person must be at least 18 years of age to rent a personal watercraft in Florida. It is unlawful for a person to knowingly allow a person under 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft (a second-degree misdemeanor). Anyone born on or after January 1st, 1988 is required by law to have a boating license permit to operate a personal watercraft in the state of Florida.Do I need a license? To operate a motorboat of ten (10) horsepower or greater requires anyone who was born on or after Jan. Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC.
Who is exempt from a Florida boating license?
You are exempt from this rule if you are: A person licensed by the U. S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel. A person operating on a private lake or pond. A non-resident who has in his or her possession proof that he or she has completed a NASBLA-approved boater safety course or equivalency examination from another . Anyone operating, riding on, or being towed behind a personal watercraft must wear an approved life jacket or PFD. Inflatable PFDs are prohibited for personal watercraft use. No one may water ski or use another aquaplaning device unless they are wearing a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD.Life Jackets Each child under the age of 6 must wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD), while the kayak is moving. Each person riding in the kayak must have an approved PFD available inside the kayak.A person may not engage in water skiing, parasailing, aquaplaning, or any similar activity unless such person is wearing a noninflatable personal flotation device currently approved by the United States Coast Guard and used in accordance with the United States Coast Guard approval label.
What is legally required to be work by a person when waterskiing in Florida?
What must anyone riding or being towed wear under Florida law? All persons being towed are required to wear a non-inflatable, USCG-approved personal flotation device (PFD) approved by and used in accordance with the U. S. Coast Guard label. Anyone operating, riding on, or being towed behind a personal watercraft must wear an approved life jacket or PFD. Inflatable PFDs are prohibited for personal watercraft use. No one may water ski or use another aquaplaning device unless they are wearing a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD.These human-powered vessels are subject to the same safety and operational requirements as other watercraft in Florida. Life jacket – One U. S. Coast Guard–approved wearable life jacket for each person on board. Must be worn by children under 6 years of age. All others strongly advised to wear a life jacket.
Which of the following is against the law in Florida boating?
According to Florida’s boating and alcohol laws, it is illegal in the state of Florida to operate any boat, or to manipulate any waterskis, sailboard or similar device, while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, controlled substances or a combination thereof. DON’T DRINK & PADDLE Alcohol and many other drugs are especially dangerous when combined with any form of boating. Do not operate any boat, even one without a motor, while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Drinking and paddling is considered boating while intoxicated.
Can you drive a boat in Florida without a boating license?
Do I need a license? To operate a motorboat of ten (10) horsepower or greater requires anyone who was born on or after Jan. Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC. For example, a boater safety certificate from Florida might suffice for most states but could require supplemental permits in states with unique regulations. Staying informed about boating regulations across states ensures a smooth and lawful boating experience.