Are you a young ‘un? Per Florida’s Boater Safety requirement, if you were born after January 1, 1988, you need to pass a safe boating course and obtain a Boating Safety Education ID card to operate a boat with more than 10 Horsepower. The education and the card are valid for life.

Where can you get the required education?

You can take an online course over the Internet, in a classroom or by correspondence by studying at home. Your NASBLA approved ID card from your home state applies in Florida as well. There’s no need to attain a new card issued in Florida.

Online Courses (valid as of March 2018)

Online course options that meet the NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) requirements as of the writing of this blog post include:

• https://www.boat-ed.com/florida/
• https://www.boaterexam.com/
• http://www.boatus.org/courses/
• https://www.safeboatingcard.com/

These courses charge a nominal fee. Even if you’re older and not required to have the ID, you may find taking the course rewarding anyway.

Other Notes

Keep in mind that those younger than 14 are not allowed to operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC) in Florida regardless their Boating Safety status. Florida also requires that only those 18 and older may rent PWC’s.

You can learn about the current Florida Boating requirements at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Web site.