Human-Powered Vessels (Canoes/Kayaks/Paddleboards)
What are the Requirements for Operating Human-Powered Vessels in Florida?
Under U.S. Coast Guard regulations, human-powered canoes, kayaks and paddleboards (except paddleboards used within swimming, surfing or bathing areas) are classified as vessels. These human-powered vessels are subject to the same safety and operational requirements as other watercraft in Florida.
- Life jacket - One U.S. Coast Guard–approved wearable life jacket for each person on board.
- Must be worn by children under 6 years of age.
- All others strongly advised to wear a life jacket.
- Tips for choosing the right life jacket.
- Sound-producing device - A bell, horn or whistle that can be heard for a least one-half nautical mile.
- Lighting – One lantern or flashlight shining a white light if operating between sunset and sunrise or when visibility is restricted.
- Between sunset and sunrise, all vessels at anchor away from a dock must display a white light visible from all directions.
- Lighting requirements for motorized paddlecraft are the same as all power-driven vessels. See USCG Navigation Rules 22, 23 and 25.
NOTE: For nonmotorized vessels not required to be registered, a Florida Freedom Boater inspection decal does not have to be displayed. If the owner of the vessel chooses to place a Florida Freedom Boater inspection decal on their boat, they may fill out an attestation form at their local tax collector’s offices to obtain the Florida Freedom boater inspection decal.
- Visual distress signals - Three pyrotechnic OR one non-pyrotechnic night signal approved by the USCG are required to be carried when on the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of America and coastal waters from sunset to sunrise.
- Boats that are manually propelled or less than 16 feet are not required to carry day visual distress signals.
- For more information, see the Code of Federal Regulations for visible distress signals.
Human-powered vessels may operate in the Intracoastal Waterway only when:
- There’s no other open water to use due to traffic or obstacles — and you must leave the channel as soon as possible.
- You're crossing the channel quickly, directly, and without blocking other boats.
- There’s an emergency threatening life and limb.
- Nonmotorized vessels less than 16 feet are not required to have a Florida Certificate of Registration or a Certificate of Title.
- All motorized vessels including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards must have a Florida Certificate of Registration and a Certificate of Title unless used exclusively at private ponds and lakes. Find more information about vessel titling and registration.
NOTE: For nonmotorized vessels not required to be registered, a Florida Freedom Boater inspection decal does not have to be displayed. If the owner of the vessel chooses to place a Florida Freedom Boater inspection decal on their boat, they may fill out an attestation form at their local tax collector’s offices to obtain the Florida Freedom boater inspection decal.
Navigation
- Avoid high traffic areas, when possible.
- When meeting another watercraft head on, make a right turn (starboard) so that you pass the other watercraft on the left (port side).
- When being overtaken by another watercraft from behind, hold your course straight to avoid surprising the passing watercraft.
- When navigating in restricted water areas (docks, bridges, etc.), give way to less maneuverable watercraft, usually larger boats.
Visibility
- Never assume powerboat operators can see you.
- Be aware of choppy or tall waves, fog and glare, which can make small watercraft more difficult to spot.
- Wear a brightly colored life jacket and clothing to make you more easily seen.
Safety Tips
When paddling, you should:
- ALWAYS wear a life jacket. See tips for selecting the right life jacket.
- Inspect your vessel and related gear to ensure it’s in good condition and verify you have required safety equipment.
- Consider paddling with others.
- Know how to swim.
- Watch the weather.
- Take a boating safety course.
- File a float plan to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Download a float plan template.
- Be aware of your surroundings when you’re on the water.
- When paddleboarding, consider wearing a leash to connect you to your board. If you fall off, the leash will ensure your board doesn’t travel without you.
- Report boating violations and dangerous or irresponsible vessel operation to the Wildlife Alert Program.
Navigation Rules
See the U.S. Coast Guard's Navigation Rules and Regulations.