Florida Boating Handbook Table of Contents

This handbook is a guide to Florida’s boating laws for recreational boaters. The publication How to Boat Smart—Florida gives additional information on safe boating practices for recreational boaters.

NOTE: The information in this handbook is intended to be used only as a summary of the boating laws and regulations in Florida. The language in this handbook does not replace the language of the actual boating laws and regulations as they are presented in Chapter 488 of the Florida Revised Statutes (NRS) and Florida Administrative Code (NAC).

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• Boater Education

Boating Basics

Boating Basics: Before Going Out

• Encountering Other Vessels
• Navigation Rules
• Nighttime Navigation
• U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON)
• Lateral Markers
• Non-Lateral Markers
• VHF Radio

Boating Basics: Specifically for PWCs

• Steering and Stopping a PWC
• Ignition Safety Switches
• Reboarding a Capsized PWC
• Courtesy and Environmental Considerations

Boating Basics: Specifically for Other Watersports

• Paddlesports
• Airboats

It's the Law

It's The Law: Before Going Out

• Registering Your Vessel
• Other Facts About Titling and Registration
• Hull Identification Number
• Who May Operate a Vessel
• Liveries (Boat/PWC Rentals)

It's The Law: Required Equipment

• Life Jackets—(PFDs)
• Navigation Lights
• Fire Extinguishers
• Ventilation Systems
• Backfire Flame Control Devices
• Mufflers
• Visual Distress Signals (VDS)
• Sound-Producing Devices
• Sound Signals
• Diver-Down Flag

It's The Law: On The Water

• Unlawful Operation
• Manatee Protection Zones
• Obstructing Navigation
• Homeland Security Restrictions
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Boating Accidents
• Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances
• Discharge of Trash
• Discharge of Waste
• Protect Florida's Seagrasses
• Protect Florida's Waterways from Invasive Aquatic Plants

It's the Law: Specifically for PWCs

• Requirements for PWCs

It's the Law: Specifically for Skiing

• Requirements for Towing Skiers
• Hand Signals for Skiers

Good to Know

• Freshwater Fish in Florida
• Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
• PDF Version of this Handbook (prints well)