Boater Education

Education Requirement

Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, must have a Boating Safety Education Identification Card to legally operate a boat in Florida. Learn more about how to get your boater safety education ID card.

Courses

Boater Safety Courses - Find approved boater safety courses.
Airboat Course Providers
Mandatory Violator Education

Temporary Certificate

The course completion certificate serves as a temporary means of complying with Florida’s Boating Safety Education Identification Card requirements. Learn how to obtain a temporary course completion certificate.

Links

Videos

Frequently Asked Questions about the boater safety education requirements.
Boating Glossary
How to Prepare for a Hurricane - Tips and resources to help boat owners stay safe and reduce the risk of damage to their property.
Recreational Boating Accident Statistics - Carelessness and inattention are leading causes of boating accidents in Florida. Pay close attention to your surroundings while on the water, and you will be on your way to a safe and enjoyable outing.
U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules
Chapter 327 Florida Statute - Vessel Safety
Chapter 328 Florida Statute - Title Certificates, Liens, Registration

Move Over for Emergency Vessels!

If you're approaching an emergency vessel with its emergency lights activated - move over! If you must approach within 300 feet, you are required to operate at slow speed, minimum wake.

Photo with graphics of emergency and law enforcement vessels with the advice for boaters to move over if they are approaching an emergency vessel with its emergency lights activated. Boaters who must approach within 300 feet are required to operate at slow speed, minimum wake.

Learn how you can nominate a Boating Safety Educator of the Year for Florida and to compete for the national award through the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).