The State of Florida doesn't have classic “boating licenses,” but offers Boating Safety Education Identification Cards. These are absolutely mandatory for anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who wants to rent a boat of 10 horsepower or more.
The Temporary Certificate Program was established to help people comply with Florida's Boating Safety Education Identification Card requirements for operating a boat in this state. The temporary certificate is valid for 90 days for individuals who have successfully passed the exam.
In some cases, you can also operate a boat under the supervision of a qualified person, and you won't need a license, either. However, the safest thing you can do to make sure you can rent a boat when you want to is get your Boating Safety Education Identification Card.
To boat recreationally in Florida, all you need is a simple safe boater's course. If you want to take on paying customers, however, the U.S. Coast Guard requires you to have an official captain's license.
Florida doesn't require a license to operate a boat in the same way the state requires a driver's license to operate a car. That doesn't mean just anyone can take the helm, though. There are a few requirements you'll need to be aware of before operating a boat in Florida.
In some cases, you can also operate a boat under the supervision of a qualified person, and you won't need a license, either. However, the safest thing you can do to make sure you can rent a boat when you want to is get your Boating Safety Education Identification Card.
Comparison of State Boating Certificate Requirements Florida: Individuals born on or after January 1, 1988, must complete an approved boater safety course accredited by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) or possess a valid captain's license.
To rent a boat in Florida, you need to complete an approved Boating Safety Course. The FWC website links to approved courses for this. If you were born before January 1, 1988 you are exempt from needing this certificate.