 Florida
Registration and Laws
Boating Education Requirements
Those persons born after September 30, 1980, are required to complete
a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) boater
education course or competency exam prior to operating a vessel powered
by a motor of 10 horsepower or more. Effective October 1, 1998, every person
convicted of two specified noncriminal boating violations within a 12-month
period, as well as those convicted of criminal boating offenses and offenses
which result in a reportable boating accident, are required to attend a
boating safety course. Call your nearest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission Regional Office and ask if a "How To Boat Smart" course has
been scheduled in your area. (Most courses are scheduled on an as-needed
basis depending on demand.) Courses are free! We will even provide the
materials. Large groups, clubs, and organizations are always welcome. The
BOAT/U.S. Foundation for Boating Safety offers an online course. http://www.boatus.com/onlinecourse/flhome.htm
For more information on other approved boating safety courses call 1-800-336-BOAT.
This is a national toll-free number provided by BOAT/U.S. which provides
information on boating courses given by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary,
the United States Power Squadron, state agencies, and others.
Boating Rules
Florida law requires that you be 14 years of age to operate any personal
watercraft and 16 years of age to rent one. http://www.boatsafe.com/Florida/index.htm
Boat Registration
all vessels operating with mechanical propulsion devices (such as gas
or electric outboards), documented vessels included, operated on state
waters, must be registered within 30 days of purchase.
A nonresident vessel already numbered in accordance with an approved
numbering system of another state can operate in Florida for 90 days before
Florida numbers are required.
Larger boats (generally 32 feet and up) can be documented. Check with
the Coast Guard for more information.
You can apply for your certificate of number or registration with your
local State Tax Collector or Tag Agency. You will have to show proof of
ownership and pay the applicable fees. The vessel registration decal must
be renewed annally and is to be displayed within 6 inches of, either before
or after, the registration numbers on the port (left) side.
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/dmv/faqboat.html
Boat Registration Contact Info
Florida Boating Access & Information
Boat URLs
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