FLORIDA STATE SPECIFIC LAWS

1. Boater Education - Anyone 21 years and under, who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more engine is required to either have successfully completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating education course or temporary certificate examination and have in their possession a boating education ID card and a photo identification card before operating a vessel. Identification cards for PWC/boat operators completing the course are good for a lifetime. Temporary Certificate exams are made available to the public through contractors. The temporary certificate is valid for a period of 12 months from the issue date.

   A person is exempt from this requirement if there is a person on board who is not affected by this law and who is attendant to and responsible for the safe operation of the vessel. Also exempted from boater education requirements are persons licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel, people operating on a private lake or pond and people who are nonresident and have proof of completion of a NASBLA approved course from another state.

   People who have completed a NASBLA approved course and wish to receive a boater safety identification card may mail a copy of their NASBLA approved certification of successful completion to the Boating Safety Section at:

   Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
   Division of Law Enforcement
   Boating Safety Section
   620 South Meridian Street
   Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600

2. PFDs - Florida law requires a child under 6 years of age to wear a personal flotation device (life jacket) on a boat less than 26-feet long while the boat is underway. "Underway" is defined as anytime except when the vessel is anchored, moored, made fast to the shore, or aground.

   Each person operating or riding on a personal watercraft must wear an approved Type I, II, III, or V personal floatation device. Inflatable personal floatation devices are prohibited. The operator of a personal watercraft must attach the engine cutoff switch lanyard (if equipped by the manufacturer) to his/her person, clothing, or PFD.

3. Equipment And Lighting Requirements - The owner and operator of a vessel is responsible to carry, store, maintain, and use the safety equipment required by the U.S.C.G. safety equipment requirements. The use of sirens or flashing, osculating, or revolving lights is prohibited except where expressly allowed by law.

4. Sanitation Devices - Vessels operating in Florida waters must comply with the U.S.C.G. requirements relating to sanitation devices, if applicable. This rule usually does not include PWCs.

5. PWC/Boat Rental - A person must be at least 18 years old to rent a PWC in Florida. A rental facility shall not rent any vessel that does not have proper safety equipment on board, exceeds the recommended engine horsepower or load capacity (as stated on the capacity plate), or is not seaworthy. The facility must provide pre-rental or pre-ride instruction on the safe operation of the vessel if it has a motor of 10 horsepower or more. All renters are required by law, to have a boater education ID card. They must have the card or its equivalent in their possession and display it before the facility may rent to them. PWC rentals must provide an on-the-water demonstration and a check ride to evaluate the proficiency of renters. All liveries must display boating safety information in a place visible to the renting public. PWC rentals must display safety information on the proper operation of a PWC. The information must include: propulsion, steering and stopping characteristics of jet pump vessels, the location and content of warning labels, how to properly re-board a PWC. This instruction also must include the applicable Navigational Rules to PWC operation, problems with visibility and being seen by other boaters, reckless operation, noise, nuisance, and environmental concerns while operating the PWC on Florida waters.

6. Legal Jurisdiction - Law enforcement officers of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, sheriff deputies of the various counties, and any other authorized enforcement officer, have the authority to order the removal of vessels deemed to be an interference or hazard to public safety, enforce all boating safety laws, or cause any inspection to be made of all vessels in accordance with Florida state laws. A law enforcement officer may board any vessel if the owner or operator is aboard for the purpose of checking for boating safety equipment.

7. Registration - All vessels operating with mechanical propulsion devices (including PWCs) are required to be registered. Vessels must be registered and numbered within thirty (30) days of purchase. The vessel registration decal must be renewed annually and is to be displayed within six (6) inches of, either before or after, the registration numbers on the port (left) side. Documented vessels, without a state registration in full force and effect, must also obtain a Florida registration and display the validation decal on the port side of the vessel when using Florida waters.

8. Reckless & Careless Operation - You must operate a PWC in a reasonable and prudent manner. Anyone who operates a PWC or boat with a willful disregard for the safety of persons or property will be cited for reckless operation (a first-degree misdemeanor). All operators are responsible for operating their vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner with regard for other vessel traffic, posted restrictions, in the presence of a diver-down flag, and other circumstances so as to not endanger other people or property. Failure to do so is considered careless operation. Maneuvers which unreasonably or unnecessarily endanger life, limb or property are classified as reckless operation of a vessel (a first-degree misdemeanor) as provided in s.327.33(1). This includes, but is not limited to, a personal watercraft by weaving through congested vessel traffic, jumping the wake of another vessel unreasonably close, or when visibility around the vessel is obstructed, or swerving at the last possible moment to avoid collision. A violation of federal navigational rules is also a violation of Florida law.

9. Vessel Speed Restrictions - Any vessel operating in a speed zone posted as "Idle Speed – No Wake" must operate at the minimum speed that will maintain steerageway. Any vessel operating in a speed zone posted as "Slow Down – Minimum Wake" must operate fully off plane and completely settled in water. The vessel’s wake must not be excessive nor create a hazard to other vessels.

10. Maximum Loading & Horsepower - No person may operate a single hull boat that is less than 20 feet in length that exceeds the information concerning the maximum weight, number of persons, or horsepower capacity, stated on the manufacturer's capacity plate inside the vessel.

11. Mufflers - All vessels must be equipped with an effective muffling device. It is illegal to operate or give permission to operate a vessel or PWC in a manner which exceeds a sound level of 90 DBA measured at a distance of 50 feet from the vessel. The use of cutouts is prohibited.

12. Impaired Operation - It is a violation of Florida law to operate a PWC or other vessel while impaired by alcohol or other drugs. A vessel operator suspected of boating under the influence must submit to a sobriety test and a chemical test to determine blood or breath alcohol content. In Florida, a vessel operator is presumed to be under the influence if their blood or breath alcohol content is at or above .08 percent. Any person under 21 years of age, who is found to have a breath alcohol level of .02 or higher and operates or is in actual physical control of a vessel is in violation of Florida law.

13. Accident Reporting - The operator of a vessel involved in a boating accident, where there is personal injury beyond immediate first-aid, death, disappearance of any person under circumstances which indicate death or injury, or if there is damage to the vessel(s) and/or personal property of at least $2,000, must, by the quickest means possible, give notice to one of the following: the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the sheriff of the county in which the accident occurred or the police chief of the municipality in which the accident occurred, if applicable. It is unlawful for any person operating a vessel involved in a boating accident to leave the scene without giving all possible aid to the involved persons and without reporting the accident to the proper authorities.

    Download the Florida Boating Accident Report Form.

14. Water Ski Regulations - The operator of a vessel towing someone on skis or another aquaplaning device must either have an observer, in addition to the operator, on board who is attendant to the actions of the skier or have and use a wide-angle rearview mirror. No one may ski or aquaplane between the hours of ½ hour past sunset to a ½ hour before sunrise. No one may water ski or use another aquaplaning device unless they are wearing a U.S.C.G. approved Type I, II, III, or non-inflatable type V, personal floatation device (PFD). Inflatable personal floatation devices are prohibited. No one may ski or use another aquaplaning device while impaired by alcohol or other drugs. The operator of a vessel towing a skier may not pull the skier close enough to a fixed object or another vessel that there is risk of collision.

15. Mooring To Markers and Buoys - Except in the event of an emergency, it is unlawful to moor or fasten to any lawfully placed navigation aid or regulatory marker. It is also unlawful for any person to anchor or operate a vessel in a manner which will unreasonably interfere with the navigation of other vessels.

16. Divers Down - The size of diver-down flag displayed on a vessel should be 20 inches by 24 inches, and a stiffener is required to keep the flag unfurled. Dive flags carried on floats may still be 12 inches by 12 inches. Also, divers-down flags on vessels must be displayed so that the flag's visibility is not obstructed. Divers must make reasonable efforts to stay within 300 feet of the divers-down flag on all waterways other than rivers, inlets, or navigation channels, and vessel operators must make a reasonable effort to maintain a distance of 300 feet from the flags on these waters. Vessels approaching divers- down flags closer than 300 feet in open water and 100 feet in rivers, inlets, and navigation channels must slow their vessels to idle speed. Vessel operators must make reasonable efforts to maintain a distance of 100 feet from any divers-down flag while on a river, inlet, or navigation channel, and divers are reminded that they must make a reasonable effort to stay within 100 feet of the divers-down flag on rivers, inlets and navigation channels.

17. Manatees & Sea Grass - Manatees are protected by state and federal law. It is illegal to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal including manatees. Anything that disrupts a manatee’s normal behavior is a violation of the law, punishable under federal law up to a $50,000 fine, one year imprisonment or both. Boaters must observe all manatee regulatory zone requirements. Also, sea grasses are the principal food for endangered marine herbivores such as manatees and green sea turtles. PWC operators and other boaters should make all available attempts to avoid running through grass beds. It is considered a violation to damage sea grass beds in some areas within state waters. Navigation charts identify sea grass beds as light green or marked as “grs” on the chart. Boaters should make all possible attempts to stay within channels when unfamiliar with a waterway. Avoid taking shortcuts through sea grass beds to avoid causing propeller scars.

18. Mandatory Violator Education - Florida law requires that anyone convicted of a criminal boating violation, non-criminal boating infraction which resulted in an accident, or two non- criminal boating infractions within a 12- month period, must enroll in, attend, and successfully complete a NASBLA/state approved classroom boater education course. Correspondence or on-line course applications do not meet these requirements.

PWC Specific Regulations

No one under the age of 14 may operate a PWC in Florida. Anyone who knowingly allows someone under 14 to operate a PWC is guilty of a second-degree misdemeanor. A person must be at least 18 years old to rent a PWC in Florida.

You may not operate, ride or be towed by a PWC unless you are wearing an approved Type I, II, II or V PFD. Inflatable personal floatation devices are prohibited. If equipped, you must attach the engine cutoff lanyard to your person, clothing or PFD. You may not operate a PWC from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise.

You must operate a PWC in a reasonable and prudent manner. Anyone who operates a PWC or boat with a willful disregard for the safety of persons or property will be cited for reckless operation (a first-degree misdemeanor).

Safety Tips

1. Most Florida boating fatalities would have been avoided had the boaters worn a personal flotation device.

2. Over 50% of Florida's boating fatalities can be related to the consumption of alcoholic beverages by boating operators. Drinking alcoholic beverages while operating a PWC affects your judgment and reaction time.

3. Check with local authorities regarding conditions, weather and local restrictions before embarking.

Personal Watercraft Characteristics

Personal watercraft have certain common characteristics. They have an inboard engine with jet drive and they are designed for the operator to safely fall overboard and reboard the vessel. These two features are related. The jet drive system eliminates parts, such as a propeller or rudder, on the outside of the hull. This system presents little risk to riders when falling over-board or reboarding.

Jet Drive Basics

The jet pump is located at the stern of the boat within the hull. The pump draws water into the housing ahead of an impeller. The impeller pressurizes the water and forces it rearwards through a nozzle.

Personal watercraft have a steerable nozzle at the rear of the pump housing. It is controlled by a handlebar or steering wheel, which directs the stream of water from left to right. When the operator turns the steering control to the right, the nozzle turns to the right. The force of water pushes the back of the boat left, turning the boat right. This is a basic characteristic of the jet drive system. Keep it in mind while operating a personal watercraft.

It is important to remember that the normal reaction when approaching an obstacle is to reduce power and turn to avoid collision. A personal watercraft will not turn if you reduce the power to the craft. Practice making turns, as if steering clear of a collision, in an area where it is safe to do so. Refer to the owner's manual for your particular model for more specific operating instructions.

Teaching New Riders

1. Before operating or allowing others to operate your personal watercraft, make sure they understand that a personal watercraft rider has to be as responsible as any other boater. Make sure they know the Rules of the Road.

2. Make sure they understand and use the lanyard-type engine cutoff mechanisms, or idle-and- circle systems.

3. Be sure all riders wear a life jacket. Make sure the cutoff lanyard is attached (if the watercraft is equipped with one).

4. Know the basic operation features of the watercraft, how to start, turn the vessel, and stop the engine if necessary.

5. Understand the importance of obeying no-wake restrictions.

6. Emphasize the need to stay alert on the water. Many beginners concentrate intently on operating their craft and forget to pay attention to their surroundings. This can be very hazardous. Always look around before turning or you could steer directly into the path of another boat.

7. When operating an athletically challenging personal watercraft, return to shore often to rest. Get more instruction, if needed.

8. If you see a boat coming around a blind curve, headed right for you, the best thing to do is apply throttle and turn right if there's open water.

Preparation

When planning an outing, follow a checklist to make sure you are fully prepared. If you have a problem on the water, you may not be able to swim to shore. Have your watercraft in good condition and be prepared before you leave the shore. Customize your list depending upon the type of watercraft and the activity you plan to enjoy.

Watercraft Pre-Ride Inspection

Check your watercraft before every outing. This will help avoid the dangers of breaking down. Use your personal watercraft owner's manual for specific information.

Things to check include:

1. Steering
2. Throttle control
3. Jet pump cover
4. Ventilate engine compartment
5. Fuel leaks
6. Oil leaks
7. Hose connections
8. Drain bilge
9. Fuel level
10. Engine oil level
11. Battery
12. Hull damage
13. Engine cover (hood)
14. Fire extinguisher
15. Stop button
16. Lanyard switch
17. Rider protection
18. Trailer

Riding Gear

Riding a personal watercraft is a "wet" sport. You should expect to get wet and even end up overboard at times. A personal flotation device is a must. Others you may want to consider for an enjoyable outing are:

1. Eye protection
2. Foot protection
3. Gloves
4. Wet suit

Operator's Duties When Underway

1. Personal watercraft are extremely maneuverable. Using that maneuverability to weave in and out of traffic, jump boat wakes, splash others or swerve at the last moment to avoid a collision is very dangerous and is illegal in Florida. Before performing any rapid maneuvers, check for other traffic right, left and behind you to prevent a collision.

2. An operator is responsible for his or her own safety, the safety of any passenger, the watercraft and any damage the watercraft's wake may cause.

3. Be thoroughly familiar with the way the boat handles. Know the stopping distances and turning radius.

4. Keep an eye out for changing weather conditions and be prepared to act if the water or weather requires.

5. Exercise courtesy and common sense. This will make your trip safer and more enjoyable. Use the following rule to prevent running out of fuel: 1/3 going out, 1/3 coming back, 1/3 reserve (not counting the fuel reserve tank).

6. Make your passenger sit on the seat provided.

7. Make sure you and your passenger are wearing PFDs.

8. A PWC operator pulling a skier must have a wide-angle mirror or an on-board observer to watch the skier.

Noise

Noise carries farther on water, particularly when it is otherwise quiet. Stay away from shoreline areas with homes, campgrounds or similar areas. Change your operating area often. Do not modify your exhaust if this results in a higher noise level.

Falling Off and Reboarding

1. Your personal watercraft was designed to allow you to fall off and reboard. In this respect it is quite different from other boats. Falling overboard in other boats is almost always dangerous.

2. Personal watercraft have two different ways to cope with falling off. One allows the engine to continue running at idle and circle slowly. The other type uses an engine shut-off lanyard, which shuts off the engine.

3. For circling boats, it is important that the engine idle speed be properly set. See your owner's manual.

4. Personal watercraft equipped with an engine shut-off lanyard must never be operated without attaching the lanyard properly.

Things To Remember

When out on the water, remember you are sharing it with others. Keep a sharp lookout for other boats, skiers, and other hazards. A little common sense will go a long way in preventing mishaps. The future of personal watercraft sports will be dependent upon the caution and courtesy of PWC operators.