Federal Life Jacket Requirements for Children

Vessels operating on waters outside the geographical boundaries of Florida (three miles or the edge of the Gulf Stream, whichever is greater, off the Atlantic coast or nine miles off the Gulf of Mexico coast) are subject to the new federal life jacket regulation for children.

On these waters, each child under 13 years of age who is underway on a recreational vessel must wear an appropriate USCG–approved life jacket unless the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.