New Boating Laws for Florida

Finally! The winter chills we’ve experienced for the past two months are beginning to fade and when they do, we boaters begin to feel the call of the water. It’s time to begin the annual spring ritual of cleaning, polishing, swabbing decks, having our motors serviced and making sure we comply with all state and federal boating regulations.

For 2010, there are a few changes to laws regarding the requirements for operating boats in Florida. Specifically, they are:

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must pass an approved boater safety course and have in his/her possession photographic identification and a boating safety education identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The following operators are exempt:

•    A person licensed by the U. S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel.

•    A person operating on a private lake or pond.

•    An operator who is accompanied onboard by a person who is at least 18 years old and possesses the required Boating Safety Education Identification Card, provided that person is attendant to and responsible for the safe operation of the vessel.

•    An operator who is accompanied onboard by a person who is exempt from the educational requirements, provided that person is attendant to and responsible for the safe operation of the vessel.

•    A non-resident who has in his or her possession proof that he or she has completed a NASBLA-approved boater safety course or equivalency examination from another state.

•    A person who is operating a vessel within 90 days after the purchase of that vessel, provided they have available for inspection aboard that vessel, a bill of sale meeting all the requirements as established in Chapter 328.46(1), Florida Statutes.

For detailed regulations affecting the operation of your boat, Cannons Marina encourages you to visit the Florida Boating Rules.

Happy boating everyone!

Article by LucyLu

I was born a commercial fisherman's daughter in Cortez, an old fishing village off the west coast of Florida where you can still experience "Old Florida" and get a really good grouper sandwich. I went to school and became an anesthetist, after privileged years of practice, I jumped ship to work in the family business - Cannons Marina. I love my job and the view. I am crazy about my dog. Being out on the water is magical. I still get giddy every time I see a dolphin. Often I brag that I had the opportunity to swim alongside a humpback whale - it was freaky and pretty amazing. Fishing for tarpon and marlin make me happy. My life is no doubt boating, but I also love paddle-boarding cooking and travel.