Yes, in Florida, you generally need a boating safety education ID card to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) such as a jet ski if you were born on or after January 1, 1988. This requirement applies to residents and visitors alike.
Here are the key details…
- Boating Safety Education Requirement – Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a motorized vessel of 10 horsepower or more (including jet skis) must complete a boating safety education course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and obtain a boating safety education ID card.
- Course Options – The boating safety education course can be completed in person or online through providers approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and FWC.
- Exemptions – You do not need a boating safety education ID card if you operate the PWC within 90 days of purchasing it or are operating on private waters.
- Enforcement – Law enforcement officers can ask operators for proof of boater education to ensure compliance with state regulations.
Check the latest requirements and exemptions directly with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or their official website, as regulations may be updated periodically. Compliance with these regulations helps ensure safety on the waterways and the legal operation of personal watercraft like jet skis in Florida.
