In Florida, the regulations regarding the operation of a personal watercraft (PWC), such as a jet ski, by a 14-year-old are as follows…

• Age Requirement
  • A person must be at least 14 years old to legally operate a PWC alone in Florida.
• Boater Education Requirement
  • Florida law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, to have completed a boating safety course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to operate a vessel (including PWC) with 10 horsepower or more.
  • However, there is an exception for people who are at least 14 years old and have completed the boating safety education course. They can operate a PWC legally without adult supervision.
• Supervision
  • If a person under the age of 14 wants to operate a PWC, they must be accompanied on board by a person who is at least 18 years old and meets the boating safety education requirement.
• Safety Requirements
  • All operators and passengers on a PWC in Florida must wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of operators and passengers on Florida’s waterways. Operators, especially young ones, should be well-informed about safe boating practices and adhere to all applicable laws and regulations.