TampaBoating.com

Your Source for Tampa Bay Boating & Diving Information
 

October 7, 2008 
Home ·  Diving ·  Boating ·  Weather ·  Safety ·  Tools ·  Contact Us

Tools Menu
 Tools Home

 Coordinate Systems
 Geographic Range
 Weather Calculators

 Beaufort Sea State
 Knots & Splices
 Semaphore Flags
 VHF Channels

site Search
Google

Home  Tools  Florida Boating Regulations

Like the Federal COLREGS, Florida also has state regulations governing boat registration, numbering and titling and boater education. They also enforce operation and equipment requirements in addition to the federal requirements.

The following sections should help you better understand the boating laws in Florida. If not, please feel to send your question to regs@tampaboating.com

In addition, click here to go to the 2002 Florida Boating Statutes.

Equipment
Anchor Lighting As prescribed in the USCG Inland Rules of Navigtion, rule 30.
Marine Sanitation Devices Marine sanitation devices are required; Y-valve through hull discharge is prohibited; Y-valves are required to be locked.
Personal Flotation Devices PFDs are required for children under 6 on vessels under 26 feet while underway; all PWC operators and skiers.

Operating - State
BUI Blood Alchohol Level 0.08% 0.08% Blood Alcohol Content is the legal limit and constitutes intoxication.
Operation by a Minor The minimum operator age is 14.
An adult is required when a minor is operating a vessel.
The minimum PWC operator age is 14.
No adult is required when a minor is operating a PWC.

Numbering, Titling & Registration
  Requires Titling of Vessels
Does Not Require Titling of Outboard Motors
Registration of Vessels Required
Does Not Require Registration of Outboard Motors
Does Not Require Non-powered vessels to be numbered
Does Not Require Non-powered vessels to be titled
Does Not Require Non-powered vessels to be registered
Requires Inspection When Discrepancies are Apparent
HINs, Bills of Sale, and Title Application Does Not Require User Fee for Non-powered Vessels
Penalties for Not Registering Vessel: $500 fine/30 days in jail max
Penalties for Not Titling Vessel: $500 fine/30 days in jail max

Education & Licensing
Mandatory Safety Education Yes
Mandatory Operator Licensing No
License / Certificate Dependent on Passing Exam Yes
Certify Minor Boaters Yes
Minimum Certification Age None
Class Hours Required for Certification 8
Boating Education in Public Schools Yes
Education Required to Operate a PWC Yes