South Florida Boating Requirements | Waterfront Properties

Posted by zz Gerald Lombardo

Updated on September 11th, 2019

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Published in Ocean & Beaches

If you want to go boating in South Florida, there are some things you’re going to need. The first, of course, is a boating license. According to the FWC: In order to operate a motorboat of ten (10) horsepower or greater, Florida law requires anyone who was born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 to successfully complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC.

Alright, so you got your license. There are still some things you need to have on-board your boat before you set sail. In Florida the following minimum boat safety equipment is required on all Class A recreational boats (less than 16 feet in length), canoes and kayaks:

- One Coast Guard-approved Type I, II or III Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board or being towed on water skis etc.

- Fire extinguisher(s) of the appropriate size and type for your boat

- Visual Distress Signals (on high sea, and coastal waters)

- Sound-producing device (horn, whistle or bell etc.)

- Backfire flame control

- Ventilation system

- Boat lighting equipment

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