Florida has specific regulations for boat operation to ensure safety on the waterways. Here are some key points to remember:
Age Requirements
- Personal Watercraft (PWC): You must be at least 14 years old to operate a PWC.
- Other Vessels: There is no minimum age to operate other types of boats, but individuals born on or after January 1, 1988, must have a boating safety education identification card if operating a motorboat of 10 horsepower or more.
Boating Safety Education
- Required for Certain Operators: Individuals born on or after January 1, 1988, must complete an approved boating safety course and carry a boating safety education identification card while operating a motorboat of 10 horsepower or more.
Life Jackets
- Required: Every person on board a vessel must have a Coast Guard-approved, wearable life jacket (Type I, II, III, or V).
- Children: Children 6 years old and under must wear a life jacket while the vessel is in operation.
Navigation Lights
- Required: Vessels must have navigation lights from sunset to sunrise, including:
- Red light: Visible from the bow (front)
- Green light: Visible from the port (left) side
- White light: Visible from the stern (rear)
Alcohol and Drugs
- Prohibited: It is illegal to operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Other Regulations
- Speed Limits: There are specific speed limits in certain areas, such as near bridges, docks, and other obstacles.
- Anchoring and Mooring: There are regulations regarding where and how to anchor or moor a vessel.
- Wildlife Protection: It is illegal to harass or disturb marine wildlife.
For more detailed information, please refer to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website or consult with a local boating authority.