Anyone can go and take a boat for a time out in the water. The thrill of seeing sights and being one with the waves is something you can’t replace. However, boating is not as easy as it sounds. And in the state of Florida, you have to accomplish some things for you to start with your boating adventures, regardless if you’re a visitor or a local. Good thing you’re in the right place. Today’s article is your comprehensive boating license guide. We will teach you what you need to know and do regarding the state’s boating regulations and licensing.
So Why The Need For A Boating License?
Boating can be complicated, and you have to consider a great deal of factors when you take to the waters. You have to think about safety, weather conditions, your boat’s status, and so on. Any individual can get their boat for a spin, but it is paramount that they have the knowledge to do so. That is where a boating license comes in handy. The accreditation gives you the green light to go on with your boating endeavors without worrying about authorities and other things.
The Florida Boating License
The state of Florida does not have a “boating license.” Instead, an authority will grant you a boating safety identity card. You will obtain this card once you complete and pass an online boating course. There are some determinants for those who will require the license. Here are some of them:
- Any person born on or after the first of January, 1988
- Any boat operator who sails with a water travel vehicle that has a horsepower of ten or higher
In addition, you will be a certified boater by doing the following:
- Study and pass the state’s online boating examination
- Procure a tangible copy, such as a certificate of your course completion
- Voila, you’re good to go!
The Online Boating Examination
Hang on to your sails. You can’t go boating yet. You still need to pass that online boating course. In addition, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation approval are a must-have for any track you take. The course will educate you on all you need to know about Florida’s boating know-how and policies surrounding it. It includes:
- Basic and advanced boat operation
- Water vehicle maintenance
- State legal boating requirements
- Scenario management
- And so on
It is a neat thing that you can complete the course in more than one way. Here’s how you can do it.
- You can start with picking one of the twelve FWC-certified online tracks.
- The United States Power Squadron and the U.S. Coast Guard have a multitude of classroom courses. You can opt for one.
- Or you can go for the home study option that the FWC or the U.S. Power Squadron offers.
One of the best bits about the course is that there is no age limit for it. Anyone can take it, even minors.
Plus, there is a number of sites and platforms where you can take the Florida boating test online. You can check them out individually and see if you can grab some perks and other stuff.
Will The Online Learning Track Cost Me An Arm And Leg?
Not quite. You will only have to spend less than fifty dollars on it. The cost covers everything the course has to offer. It will include the examination fee and access to the entirety of the learning materials. However, the charge may vary depending on where you take it or from where you get it at one point. Some platforms offer the education track for no more than ten dollars. While others give it for fifty dollars and less. Regardless, do make sure the source and the course are accredited by the FWC. Doing so will prevent you from having any legal and credibility issues that may arise later.
How About Exemptions To The Law?
There are instances where someone can be an exemption from the boating license mandate. You are an exemption to the rule if:
- You are a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed master of a vessel
- You operate on a private body of water
- Have a boat that has not passed 90 days after its purchase and must have its purchase documentation on board
- You are the companion of an individual who is exempt from the mandate
- You are with someone who is at least 18 years old and has identification documents
It’s Time To Sail
Once you finish all of the requirements, that license is all yours for the taking. You can go on with your boating adventures from this point onward. But do take the card or document with you at all times. It will come in handy when authorities inquire about it as you sail around. Have fun boating!
While many refer to it as a boating license, what you really need is a Boater Education Card. This card is mandatory for anybody wanting to operate a boat and born after January 1st, 1988. If you were born before 1988, it’s still recommended but you will not be required to get the Boater Education Card.
In addition, if you’re under 14 years of age, you will not be able to operate a boat or any other personal vessel, even if you get the Boater Education Card. It’s also important to know that the regulatory authority for the Boater Card is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
