In Florida, there are specific age and education requirements for operating a jet ski or any personal watercraft (PWC).
Here are the regulations regarding who can legally drive a jet ski in Florida…
- Age Requirement
- A person must be 14 to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) on Florida waters.
- However, persons under 14 years old may operate a PWC if they are accompanied on board by a person who meets the age requirement of 18 or older.
- Boater Education Requirement
- Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, is required to complete a boater education course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to legally operate a vessel (including PWC) with 10 horsepower or more.
- Safety Regulations
- All operators and passengers of a PWC must wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- It is illegal for anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs to operate a PWC.
- Other Regulations
- PWC operators must follow all navigational rules and speed limits.
- Reckless operation, such as jumping the wake of another vessel too close or weaving through congested water traffic, is prohibited.
These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of minors and other boaters in Florida waters. Parents and guardians need to familiarize themselves and their children with these rules before allowing them to operate a PWC. Enforcement of these regulations helps to prevent accidents and promote responsible boating practices.
