In Florida, the regulations regarding the operation of a personal watercraft (PWC), such as a jet ski, by a 15-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.
- Once a 15-year-old has completed the boating safety education course and meets the age requirement, they can legally operate a PWC without adult supervision.
- Supervision
- If a 15-year-old has not completed the boating safety education course or does not meet the age requirement, they must be supervised by a person who is at least 18 years old and meets the boating safety education requirement while operating a PWC.
- 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. Young operators need to be well-informed about safe boating practices and adhere to all applicable laws and regulations. Always verify with local authorities or boating agencies for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding boating regulations in Florida.
