{"id":372516,"date":"2016-11-28T17:05:57","date_gmt":"2016-11-28T22:05:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/florida-law\/florida-boating-laws.html"},"modified":"2016-12-05T11:01:00","modified_gmt":"2016-12-05T16:01:00","slug":"florida-boating-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/florida-law\/florida-boating-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Florida Boating Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Florida Boating Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n

Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Ahoy, matey! Florida has some of the finest waterways in the land. Whether you are going fishing or cruising along the St. Johns River with your friends, Florida is considered the boating capital of the United States with miles and miles of navigable waterways for you to explore. But when exploring these great bodies of water, Floridians must keep regulations in mind. Florida boating laws regulate a number of activities that deal with being on the water, including four keys areas: buying, registering, operating, and boating under the influence<\/a> (BUI).<\/p>\r\n

Vessel Titling and Registration<\/h2>\r\n

If you buy a boat and intend to operate it, you\u2019ll have to meet both registration and titling requirements. In Florida, vessel registration is a system of record-keeping and identification for vessels that operate on the state\u2019s waterways and is meant to protect vessel owners against theft and against irresponsible actions by other vessel operators. Titling is a computerized record-keeping system that provides ownership protection to vessel owners, going beyond the vessel registration system. You will find more information about both requirements in the box below.<\/p>\r\n

Boating License Requirement<\/h2>\r\n

In addition to registering your seaworthy vessel, you\u2019ll also need to have a license to operate it. Anyone born after January 1, 1988 who wants to operate a boat (including personal watercraft) with 10 horsepower or greater will have to get a Boating Safety Education ID Card<\/a>. In order to get one, you\u2019ll have to pass an approved safety course<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Boating Under the Influence (BUI)<\/h2>\r\n

Just as you wouldn\u2019t drive under the influence on a public highway, you are also prohibited from operating a boat when you\u2019ve had too much to drink<\/a> or taken illegal substances. In Florida, you can be in violation of the law if you operate your fishing boat, sailboat, yacht, personal watercraft, and your blood alcohol level<\/a> is 0.08 percent or higher.<\/p>\r\n

Florida Boating Laws: The Basics<\/h2>\r\n

Specific details about Florida boating laws, including relevant statutes, registration requirements and more are listed in the following table.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Registration Facts<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Buying a Boat<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Regulatory\/Enforcement Agency <\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Vessels Exempt from Registration or Title<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

    \r\n
  • Non-motor powered vessel less than 16 feet in length<\/li>\r\n
  • Any non-powered canoe, kayak, racing shell, rowing scull, regardless of length:<\/li>\r\n
  • Vessels used exclusively on private lakes and ponds;<\/li>\r\n
  • Vessels owned by the U.S. Government;<\/li>\r\n
  • Vessels used exclusively as a ship\u2019s lifeboat;<\/li>\r\n
  • Vessels covered by numbers in full force and effect which have been awarded pursuant to federal law or a federally approved numbering system provided that such vessels are not operated in state waters in excess of 90 consecutive days<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

BUI Penalties <\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n