If you still don’t know what you need to rent a boat in Florida, just read this article. Here we explain everything about Florida boat rental requirements.
Florida’s waterways provide a nice opportunity for recreation, sailing, and adventure. Whether you navigate lakes or canals or rent a yacht, a sailing boat, or any vessel, you must know the local regulations and boating safety requirements.
Although you don’t need a boat license to rent a boat in Florida, local boating regulations require a Boating Safety Education Identification Card for anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who wants to operate a vessel with 10 horsepower or more (updated as of February 2022).
The Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card does not expire and certifies that the person named on it completed an approved boating safety classroom or online course.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website offers information on safety education courses by different companies, with prices from zero to $59.95.
Once you approve the safety course, get a copy of your Boating Safety Education ID Card by simply doing the following:
1) If your course provider automatically requests the FWC to issue a card, you should receive your ID card within two or three weeks.
2) If your instructor does not send a request to the FWC to issue the card, you will need a course completion certificate and submit a request for your Boating Safety Education ID Card to the FWC, including your course certificate and your name, date of birth, return address and phone number.
There is also the option of getting a temporary certificate to operate a vessel in Florida. This card is valid for 90 days, and you can obtain it after passing the Temporary Certificate Program. You can read the list of vendors authorized by the FWC to offer the Temporary Certificate Program exam online here.
Remember that fine and safe boating is all about being prepared.
Whether you are a visitor or a Florida resident looking for a water adventure, it is pivotal to know the local boating laws and safety requirements to enjoy your on-water trip without fines and penalties. Here’s a list of regulations established by the FWC to operate a vessel:
The FWC establishes no minimum age to operate a boat on Florida waters. However, you must be 18 or older to rent a vessel in Florida.
On the other hand, personal watercraft (PWC) regulations are age-specific. A person must be at least 14 years old to operate a PWC in Florida and at least 18 to rent a PWC.
Even if a person is old enough to rent a vessel, remember that anyone born after January 1, 1988, must have the Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card required to operate a boat of 10 horsepower or more.
Liveries should verify that you meet these requirements to keep yourself and anyone on board safe while enjoying wildlife in Florida waters.
Once you’ve decided which vessel adapts best to your needs and recreation plan, it is key that you understand the boat rental agreement before you sign it. This document sets your obligations as a renter and the aspects you should consider, such as:
Offering the renter the option to purchase insurance coverage is mandatory for boat rental companies in Florida. When it comes to boat rental insurance, Florida law states:
More than a formality, insurance coverage protects the operator from liability in case of accidents, damages, equipment malfunction, and other risks.
When renting a boat, know where every safety equipment is before leaving the marina. All recreational boats should come with a minimum required safety equipment, including:
Some requirements may vary depending on boat size. Learn more specifications here.
A boat inspection before departing will ensure everything is in good condition to keep everyone on board safe during navigation. Check these aspects before signing your rental boat agreement:
Are you ready to rent a boat and enjoy a day on Florida waters? Let Above The Sea be part of your boating experience!