Boater Education (175)

Image with state of Michigan, boating license in Michigan concept.

Do You Need a Boating License in Michigan?

Michigan doesn't issue a "boating license" in the same way as a driver's license, but it does require certain operators to get a Boating Safety Certificate. This certification is also sometimes called a boater education card. Whether you need a boater education card depends on…

Woman drives boat with instructor, Minnesota boating law 2026 concept.

What's New for Minnesota Boating Law 2026?

As of July 1, 2025, Minnesota has a new boater education law. That means boaters who previously didn't need a permit to operate motorized vessels on the state's waterways may need to take a course to obtain one. Whether you need boating licensing (and when) depends…

Image with state of Wisconsin, how to get a Wisconsin boating license concept.

How to Get a Boating License in Wisconsin

If you plan to go boating in Wisconsin and you were born on or after January 1, 1989, you need a boating safety certificate to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC). You can get your certificate by passing an approved boating safety course, and…

Image with state of Wisconsin, do you need a boating license in Wisconsin concept.

Do You Need a Boating License in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, boaters born on or after January 1, 1989, must have a boating safety certification card to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC) legally. Boaters can obtain this lifelong certification by passing an approved safety course. Do you need a boating license in…

Image with state of Florida, Florida boating license concept.

Do You Need a Boating License in Florida?

If you're a Florida resident who was born on or after January 1, 1988, you'll need to get a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card. This certification is often informally called a "boating license," and it's the document you need to legally operate a motorized…