As of January 1, 2010, a person born on or after January 1, 1988, must meet the following legal requirements to operate a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater on Florida waters:
- Successfully complete an approved boating safety course recognized by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), or pass an approved equivalency or temporary certificate examination.
- Possess a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
- Carry photographic identification along with the Boating Safety Education Identification Card while operating the vessel.
These requirements are mandatory to legally operate such vessels in Florida, aiming to promote safe boating practices and reduce accidents on the water
. There are exemptions, including:
- Persons licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel.
- Persons operating on private lakes or ponds.
- Operators accompanied onboard by a responsible person at least 18 years old who possesses the required Boating Safety Education Identification Card.
- Non-residents with proof of completing an equivalent NASBLA-approved boating safety course from another state.
- Operators within 90 days of vessel purchase, provided they have a valid bill of sale aboard the vessel
In summary, for those born on or after January 1, 1988, the legal requirement is to complete an approved boating safety education course, obtain and carry the Boating Safety Education Identification Card and photo ID when operating vessels with motors of 10 horsepower or more on Florida waters.
