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Boating & Navigation

General Boating Information

  • Boating Regulations
  • Boating Registration:  the FWC does not register or title vessels. Applications may be made at a county tax collector's office (tag office).

Boating Safety Education

Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must pass an approved boater safety course and be issued with a boating safety education identification card.  This ID card must be in his/her possession along with photographic identification.  For more information, visit Boating Safety Education ID Card for more information.

Boating Resources

Be familiar with boating safety and education resources and the following available boating and angling guides courtesy of FWRI:  Apalachee Bay, Apalachicola Bay, Bay County, Biscayne Bay, Brevard County, Charlotte Harbor, Choctawhatchee Bay, Citrus County, Collier County, Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, Flagler and St. Johns Counties, Hernando and Pasco Counties, Lake Worth Lagoon, Lower Florida Keys, Middle Florida Keys, Nassau and Duval County, Nature Coast, Sarasota County, St. Joseph Bay, Tampa Bay, Treasure Coast South, Upper Florida Keys and Volusia County.

Protection Zone Permits

Permits can be obtained to operate vessel in a protected area.  Visit Manatee Protection Zones for more information.

Waterway Markers

Permits to install markers for boating safety, private aids to navigation, moorings, manatee protection, and/or informational type markers are available.  Please visit Uniform Waterway Marker Application.

Paddling Trail Permits

Primitive campsites have been established on the Big Bend WMA for use by through-paddlers on the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail.  Paddlers must possess a permit to use these sites.  Visit Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail Camping Permits.