In Destin, Florida, and throughout the state, the minimum age requirements for operating a personal watercraft (PWC) like a jet ski are governed by state regulations.
Here are the key points regarding the age requirements…
- Age Requirement
- A person must be at least 14 years old to operate a PWC alone in Florida, including in Destin.
- Boater Education Requirement
- Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, must have completed a boating safety education course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to operate a vessel (including PWC) with 10 horsepower or more.
- Once a person who meets the age requirement has completed the boating safety education course, they can legally operate a PWC without adult supervision.
- Supervision
- If a person 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, including Destin, 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 aware of and comply with these regulations to enjoy PWC activities safely and responsibly. Always verify with local authorities or boating agencies for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding boating regulations in Destin or any specific location in Florida.
