Age Requirements And Standards

Florida law requires that any person born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a vessel with a motor of 10hp or more must first obtain PROOF OF BOATER SAFETY EDUCATION. It is also illegal to rent to anyone under the age of 18. However, the state of Florida prohibits anyone under the age of 14 from operating a Personal Water Craft. Children under the age of 6 must wear a life jacket at all times while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet in length.

Florida state law requires that any operator MUST HAVE PHOTO IDENTIFICATION to operate a PWC or boat. Anyone without photo identification, or born after January 1st, 1988 without proof of boater safety education may not legally operate any vessel. 

While the legal age to drive a PWC in the state of Florida is fourteen, you must be eighteen to rent a PWC. There’s some room in their for a parent to legally allow their under eighteen minor to operate a PWC. Every boat/pwc rental operator has their specific guidelines and rules regarding this rule. If you’re minor is operating a PWC please make sure they operate responsibly and cautiously. Even though they may legally operate the vessel the holder/(adult) of the credit card is ultimately responsible.

Please check with your boat rental company on any policies they have regarding their specific policies on PWC operations and age.