Official Florida Boating License Online

In Florida, anyone born after January 1, 1988 must take a NASBLA-approved boater safety course before operating a personal watercraft (PWC).

Our boater safety course covers topics ranging from basic PWC operation to navigational rules and safety guidelines. After successfully completing the course, you’ll receive a Boating Safety Education Identification Card that will never expire.

Some tips for jet skiing in Florida include:

• Always wear a life jacket. In Florida, all passengers on a personal watercraft must wear a US Coast Guard–approved personal flotation device (PFD).
• Follow speed limits. Speed limits are set to protect the safety of everyone on the water. Just like many boating regulations, they can vary by location, so make sure you’re aware of the rules for each body of water you plan to visit.
• Stay alert. Boating can be dangerous if people are not cautious and aware of their surroundings. Always be on the lookout for other boats, swimmers, wildlife and other obstacles.
• Do not operate at night. In Florida, personal watercraft cannot be operated from half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise. When you’re operating at low visibility (in the thirty minutes before sunrise or the thirty minutes after sunset), Florida law requires the use of navigation lights.
• Never allow anyone under the age of 14 to operate a PWC. Florida state law prohibits anyone under the age of 14 from operating a PWC on Florida waters, even if they possess a Boating Safety Education Identification Card.

By finishing an approved boating safety course and following proper state laws, you can enjoy the thrill of jet skiing in Florida safely and responsibly. If you ever need to review Florida’s PWC requirements, our resources are always available.

Fishing in Florida

Florida is known as the "Fishing Capital of the World," with a diverse range of fishing opportunities that attract anglers from all over the globe. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, Florida's waterways offer plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish species.

If you plan to fish from a motorized boat over 10hp and were born after January 1, 1988, you will need to take a Florida approved boating course. Also, if you plan to go out on a charter, it’s important to know their rules as many require all passengers to have completed a boater education course prior to taking a fishing trip.

Now, where should you fish?

Florida Keys: The Florida Keys offer some of the best fishing in the world. From flats fishing for bonefish and tarpon to deep-sea fishing for sailfish and marlin, the Keys have it all.

Lake Okeechobee: Lake Okeechobee is one of the best bass fishing lakes in the world. With over 730 square miles of water, it offers endless opportunities for anglers to catch trophy-sized bass.

Indian River Lagoon: The Indian River Lagoon is the most biodiverse estuary in North America and offers excellent fishing for redfish, trout, snook, and tarpon.

Gulf of Mexico: The Gulf of Mexico offers excellent fishing for grouper, snapper, cobia, and kingfish.

Mosquito Lagoon: Mosquito Lagoon is a renowned destination for flats fishing for redfish and trout.

Florida law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who will be operating a motorized vessel of ten horsepower or more, to complete a NASBLA-approved boater safety course. This requirement applies to Florida residents and visitors alike, including those who rent a boat in the state of Florida.

There are a couple of options to get your boating license in the state of Florida. If you plan on being on the water frequently, the lifetime Boating Safety Education Identification Card will be your best bet. For visitors who simply plan to rent a boat or PWC, Florida’s temporary boating license or safety certificate is probably the way to go. This card is good for 90 days, and it costs a fraction of the lifetime course at just $9.99.

To get a temporary Florida boating license, you’ll need to complete a boating safety course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission online or in person. Once you’ve completed the course, you can print out a Temporary Certificate, which is valid for 90 days.

Remember that the state of Florida does require all boaters born after January 1, 1988 who will be operating a motorized vessel of at least 10hp to complete a state-approved course – regardless of how long they plan to be on Florida waters. Any individual found operating a PWC without a Boating Safety Education Identification Card or a Temporary Certificate can face fines or even arrest.

Boating safety education is not only required by law; it’s essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.