In the case of an accident on the water, insurance is paramount – especially if the damaged boat is worth tens of thousands of dollars and you are at fault. Of course, if you possess Boater Safety Education ID Card, you have learned those things already and can fall back on your course materials if need be. Most importantly, one should know the meaning of signs and markers, so as not to enter restricted or protected areas by accident. Therefore, it does not hurt to undergo safety training beforehand. These instructions are highly valuable, but not everybody can digest that much information in such a short time. A 30 minute instruction is part and parcel of the rental process at most places. No respectable rental company would let beginners take a boat to open waters without showing them the ropes first. This is especially common for inexperienced customers who want to rent large and powerful luxury yachts. However, notwithstanding legal requirements, many boat rentals require customers to present a proof of safety training.
Florida temporary boating licen driveraw licensese license#
As mentioned before, the driver’s license serves as a boat license for people born before 1988. This includes all motorboats and speedboats as well as jet skis, which mostly possess more than 100 HP. The aforementioned documents (driver’s license or Boater ID) are mandatory if you want to operate a boat with 10 HP or more. What Boats am I allowed to drive in Florida? However, it can be suspended if you show illegal or reckless behavior while boating. The temporary license is valid for 90 days, while the Boater ID does not expire. If you have not received your ID card yet, a printed version of the Temporary Boater Education Certificate together with personal ID is sufficient. So best store your permit safely on the boat. In case your boat is stopped by the police, you have to present the appropriate permit (either driver’s license or Boater ID). Noteworthy detail for groups: As long as you are 18 or older and possess the ID card, you can let other persons (over 14 years old) drive the boat. Now you are allowed to legally rent and operate a boat in Florida. Your physical ID card will be sent by mail a few weeks later. After passing the exam with a score of at least 80% correct answers, you will receive an Email with the Temporary Boater Education Certificate that you can print out. Most providers give you 3 months to take the test before the course expires. The exam should not offer too much of a challenge, especially because you can take it as often as necessary. When you have studied the material, it is time for the exam that consists of around 70 multiple choice questions. The online lessons usually take 3 to 4 hours to complete. The important criterion is that the provider is licensed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. You have to decide for yourself whether aesthetically pleasing course materials and training videos are worth paying more. The Boat US Foundation () even offers courses for US citizens for free. The costs range from 15 to 50 USD, with 29,95 USD being the norm. Instead, just apply for the safety training and the boat license online. You do not have to take driving lessons or on-site examination. This ID card is issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and proves that you know the safety regulations on Florida’s waters. In this case you have to get the “ Boater Safety Education ID Card” (short: Boater ID). If you are younger, do not despair, however. A regular driver’s license is sufficient. The good news first: Persons who were born before Janudo not need a special boat or jet ski license in Florida.