Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water skis, aquaplanes, surfboards, inner tubes, or any similar devices have specific equipment and observer requirements. Show
Whether you are a local or visiting Florida waters, always research local fishing & boating rules, regulations, and event rules for the area you will be fishing beforehand.
If you plan on fishing offshore in Federal waters review Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council's Regulations and/or South Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Regulations. Florida follows most of the federal rules but only you can be certain of them by doing your research before hand since rules are constantly changing. If you are ever need emergency assistance, turn to Channel 16 on your marine VHF radio. Florida Fish and WildlifeFWC is an excellent resource for fishing and boating regulations. On Florida Go Fishing we do not get too involved in reciting the rules & regulations because they are continually changing. Visit FWC's Boating Regulations page for in depth details. Also visit FWC's Boating Safety & Education page for information on safety requirements for your boat or PWC. FWC also offers FREE Boating and Angling Guides for regions around Florida. These guides are large charts. Each chart has details from Waypoints to closed areas. Order yours today! Florida Boaters GuideThe Florida Boaters Guide is a good starting point to understanding the rules of the road for our waterways. This guide is dated 1998 and is free. The current version is no longer free and can be purchased online. This excellent guide gives you invaluable tips for navigating our waterways but please double check any rules cited in the publication as it is out of date. Special Fishing Rules for Vessels
Fishing in Florida can be a very rewarding experience. Locals know the rules well and follow them because law enforcement is very strict and always watching you. See our Fishing Regulations page for more details. Here are a few important rules to know when fishing on your boat.
Dive Down FlagsDivers, snorkelers, and spear fisherman are required to prominently display dive down flags in Florida waters. Visit our Fish Regulations page for more details on this mandatory requirement. Special Marine Zones
There are Special Marine Zones around Florida governed by many federal and state agencies. Many zones have No Entry restrictions, enter by permission only, no anchoring, seasonal fishing closures, etc. Before you travel offshore it is advised to review our Reefs & Shipwrecks page for detailed information on Special Marine Zones and our Offshore Fishing page for other area information. Vessel Safety Check (VSC) ProgramA Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a FREE check to boaters who wish to be sure that their vessel meets all federal and state equipment requirements. For more information click here. Click Here For The USCG Free Vessel Safety Check Vessel RegulationsFlorida has the highest per capital number of recreational boats registered in the United States. As such, they have rules and regulations to keep everyone safe. The following information on regulations is brief and presented here to encourage you to research further. It is illegal:
We will also like to add that It is not safe for passengers to ride on the bow, gunwale, transom, seat backs, seats on raised decks, or any other place where there may be a chance of falling overboard.
The following rules are abbreviated, for more detailed information on each subject, refer to FWC's Regulations page.Registration - All vessels, with the exception of non-motor-powered vessels less than 16 feet in length, non-motor-powered canoes, kayaks, racing shells, or rowing sculls, regardless of length, must be registered. The Certificate of Registration must be on board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever the vessel if operated. Registration numbers must be displayed on the forward half of the vessel on both sides above the waterline. The vessel registration decal must be renewed annually and is to be displayed within 6 inches of, either before or after, the registration numbers on the port (left) side. Identification - You are required to carry proper identification while boating, such as your drivers license. Florida Boating Safety ID Card - Florida law requires that persons born on or after January 1, 1988 complete a NASBLA-approved boater education course prior to operating a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or more. You can take the course online at your own pace, visit FWC's Boating Courses page. Safety Equipment - The owner and/or operator of a vessel is responsible to carry, store, maintain and use the safety equipment required by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Safety equipment varies by boat type and length, so always check what is required for YOUR boat.
Navigation Lights - Both federal and state law requires vessels to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility (fog, rain, haze, etc.). The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules specify lighting requirements for every description of watercraft. The information provided in the following link is for vessels less than 65.5 feet/20 meters in length. Personal Water Craft - A person must be at least 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft in Florida. Each person operating, riding on, or being towed behind a personal watercraft must wear an approved non-inflatable Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device (PFD). Inflatable PFDs are prohibited for personal watercraft use. The operator of a personal watercraft must attach the engine cutoff switch lanyard (if equipped by the manufacturer) to his/her person, clothing or PFD. Personal watercraft may not be operated from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, even if navigation lights are used. Markers?Except in the event of an emergency, it is unlawful to moor or fasten to any lawfully placed navigation aid or regulatory maker. Diver Flags?When diving from a vessel, a divers-down flags must be displayed above the vessel's highest point so that the flag's visibility is not obstructed in any direction. When divers are out of the water, a dive flag may not be displayed. Divers must make reasonable efforts to stay within 300 feet of a divers-down flag on open waters (all waterways other than rivers, inlets, or navigation channels) and within 100 feet of a flag within rivers, inlets, or navigation channels. Vessel operators must make a reasonable effort to maintain a distance of at least 300 feet from divers-down flags on open waters and at least 100 feet from flags on rivers, inlets or navigation channels. Vessels approaching divers-down flags closer than 300 feet in open water and 100 feet in rivers, inlets and navigation channels must slow to idle speed. Trailers - Florida law requires boat trailers to have proper lighting including turn signals, tail lights, and brake lights. Trailers must be equipped with safety chains and tie-down straps. Trailers weighing more than 3,000 lbs. must be equipped with brakes that act on all wheels. Trailers weighing less than 2,000 lbs. must be registered with the county tax collector. Trailers weighing 2,000 lbs. or more must be registered and titled. Questions & AnswersQ: We often bring our vessel into Florida water. Is it required to register it in Florida?
Q: How old do my children have to be before I can allow them to drive our wave runners?
Q: Is there any certain time that I can not operate a Personal Watercraft?
Q: Does my child need to wear a personal floatation device?
Q: How do I know if my child needs to take a boating course or take a safety exam?
Q: If my vessel is Documented through the United States Coast Guard does that mean I still need to register it in Florida?
For more information visit FWC's Boating Safety Education FAQs & Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats This information is provided only as a courtesy and there are NO guaranties, warranties, express or implied, or representations as to the accuracy of this content. Florida Go Fishing assumes NO liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained here. If you find an error or omission in the data, please feel free to contact us with the correct information and we will verify and correct it as soon as possible. At what age do you not have to wear a lifejacket in Florida?Children under six years of age must wear a USCG–approved life jacket at all times while on any vessel less than 26 feet in length that is underway upon Florida waters. (“Underway” means any time except when the vessel is anchored, moored, docked, or aground.)
What is required on a jet ski in Florida?Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
Personal Watercraft (PWC): Everyone on or operating a PWC must wear an approved Type I, II, III or V PFD. Inflatable PFDs are prohibited. Water Skier: Every person skiing or aquaplaning must wear an approved Type I, II or III PFD.
What are the requirements for towing someone with a PWC Florida?All persons being towed behind a motorboat or motorized device on water skis, an aquaplane, or other device must wear a USCG–approved PFD. If towing a person on skis or other device with a PWC, the PWC must be rated to carry at least three people—the operator, the observer, and the retrieved skier.
What is required on a personal watercraft?Legal requirements
Your PWC must be equipped with a marine-rated fire extinguisher and emergency signaling devices. All PWCs must be registered according to state regulations, and have a registration number displayed.
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