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. 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. But don’t worry! We provide a study guide and the state of florida sells the temporary permits online.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.Florida boaters must have a license to operate motorized watercraft. However, you’re more likely to see it called a Boating Safety Education Identification Card. It’s a requirement for boat operators born on or after January 1, 1988.
Can you drive a boat without a driver’s license in 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. Forty-two of the 50 US states have mandatory boater education laws that apply to PWC operators. This means passing an approved boater safety course and obtaining an operator card or certificate.The requirement to pass a boating education course is the main age-based qualification for taking a vehicle out on the waves in Florida. This requirement applies to both boat drivers and anyone who wants to drive a PWC. Also, drivers must be at least 14 years old to drive or operate a PWC in Florida.You must have a Recreational Marine Driver licence (RMDL) to operate a boat that has an engine power greater than 4. W. To operate a personal watercraft (PWC / Jet Ski), you must have a Recreational Marine Driver licence and a Personal Watercraft licence.Anyone who operates a personal watercraft like a jet ski must have a Florida jet ski license. However, the exceptions to this rule are people born before January 1, 1988, and those accompanied by a licensed boater over 18.