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Official Florida Boating License Online

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission logo
NASBLA logo
US Coast Guard logo

Take this Florida–approved online boating course to complete your boaters safety education. Boat-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Lifetime Card

Do you need to take a boaters safety course to get a Florida boating license?

You need boater education if you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, and will be operating a motorized boat of 10 hp or more in Florida.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission logo
NASBLA logo
US Coast Guard logo

How to Get your Boating License in 4 Easy Steps

Step 1

Boat step 1

est. 2–3 mins

Sign Up

Getting started is easy, simply sign up for a Boat Ed student account, pay for the official, state-approved course, and visit your student dashboard.

Step 2

Step 2 image

est. 3–4 hrs

Study & Pass at Your Own Pace

Take the course on any desktop, tablet or mobile device, and don't worry about completing everything in one sitting. We save your progress after each lesson!

Step 3

Boat step 3

est. 1–5 mins

Print Your Temporary License Immediately

After successfully passing the final exam, you're able to print a temporary boating license and go boating right away!

Step 4

Boat step 4

est. 0 mins

Get on the Water!

That's it! You're ready to confidently and legally drive a boat. Also you'll now have access to exclusive offers on additional courses and products!

Do you need a Boating License in Florida?

Any motorized boat operator born on or after January 1, 1988, operating a boat of 10 hp or more is required by Florida law to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Requirements

There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.

You do not have to be a resident of Florida to take this online course.

What to Expect From the Boaters Safety Course

Live‐Action, High‐Definition Videos

Our course videos feature a combination of professional educators (who double as professional actors), entertaining storylines, and up‐to‐date scenarios that give you one of the most effective ways to learn safe boating practices.

Watch this 54-second sample to see how we put you in the driver’s seat.

Comprehensive Instruction in Florida boaters Safety Course

This official training program is developed to meet the standards for Boating safety education established by Florida. Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Boating laws and regulations.

Pages from a boat handbook

Learn Your Way on Any Device

Boat Ed offers online courses that are fully mobile-friendly from start to finish. This safety course is designed to work on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

Boat course displayed on various devices
Course outline displaying progress

Saved Progress

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or a little at a time over several days. Log in and out at any time, and we'll keep track of your progress. Most students finish the course in a few hours.

Florida Approved Boating License

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
620 S. Meridian Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600

Made in the U.S.A.

This safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations worldwide.

Florida Boating License FAQs

The boater education certificate in Florida is often called a “boating license.” While the certificate is often called a Florida boating license, the certification does not expire and does not need to be renewed.

Do you need a boating license to drive a boat in Florida?

Florida boating laws require all boat operators born after Jan. 1, 1988, to get certified by completing a boater safety course. This certification is sometimes called a “Florida boating license.”

Get Started
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission logo

In Florida, anyone born after January 1, 1988 must take a NASBLA-approved boater safety course before operating a personal watercraft (PWC).

Our boater safety course covers topics ranging from basic PWC operation to navigational rules and safety guidelines. After successfully completing the course, you’ll receive a Boating Safety Education Identification Card that will never expire.

Some tips for jet skiing in Florida include:

  • Always wear a life jacket. In Florida, all passengers on a personal watercraft must wear a US Coast Guard–approved personal flotation device (PFD).
  • Follow speed limits. Speed limits are set to protect the safety of everyone on the water. Just like many boating regulations, they can vary by location, so make sure you’re aware of the rules for each body of water you plan to visit.
  • Stay alert. Boating can be dangerous if people are not cautious and aware of their surroundings. Always be on the lookout for other boats, swimmers, wildlife and other obstacles.
  • Do not operate at night. In Florida, personal watercraft cannot be operated from half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise. When you’re operating at low visibility (in the thirty minutes before sunrise or the thirty minutes after sunset), Florida law requires the use of navigation lights.
  • Never allow anyone under the age of 14 to operate a PWC. Florida state law prohibits anyone under the age of 14 from operating a PWC on Florida waters, even if they possess a Boating Safety Education Identification Card.

By finishing an approved boating safety course and following proper state laws, you can enjoy the thrill of jet skiing in Florida safely and responsibly. If you ever need to review Florida’s PWC requirements, our resources are always available.

Fishing in Florida

Florida is known as the "Fishing Capital of the World," with a diverse range of fishing opportunities that attract anglers from all over the globe. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, Florida's waterways offer plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish species.

If you plan to fish from a motorized boat over 10hp and were born after January 1, 1988, you will need to take a Florida approved boating course. Also, if you plan to go out on a charter, it’s important to know their rules as many require all passengers to have completed a boater education course prior to taking a fishing trip.

Now, where should you fish?

Florida Keys: The Florida Keys offer some of the best fishing in the world. From flats fishing for bonefish and tarpon to deep-sea fishing for sailfish and marlin, the Keys have it all.

Lake Okeechobee: Lake Okeechobee is one of the best bass fishing lakes in the world. With over 730 square miles of water, it offers endless opportunities for anglers to catch trophy-sized bass.

Indian River Lagoon: The Indian River Lagoon is the most biodiverse estuary in North America and offers excellent fishing for redfish, trout, snook, and tarpon.

Gulf of Mexico: The Gulf of Mexico offers excellent fishing for grouper, snapper, cobia, and kingfish.

Mosquito Lagoon: Mosquito Lagoon is a renowned destination for flats fishing for redfish and trout.

Florida law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who will be operating a motorized vessel of ten horsepower or more, to complete a NASBLA-approved boater safety course. This requirement applies to Florida residents and visitors alike, including those who rent a boat in the state of Florida.

There are a couple of options to get your boating license in the state of Florida. If you plan on being on the water frequently, the lifetime Boating Safety Education Identification Card will be your best bet. For visitors who simply plan to rent a boat or PWC, Florida’s temporary boating license or safety certificate is probably the way to go. This card is good for 90 days, and it costs a fraction of the lifetime course at just $9.99.

To get a temporary Florida boating license, you’ll need to complete a boating safety course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission online or in person. Once you’ve completed the course, you can print out a Temporary Certificate, which is valid for 90 days.

Remember that the state of Florida does require all boaters born after January 1, 1988 who will be operating a motorized vessel of at least 10hp to complete a state-approved course – regardless of how long they plan to be on Florida waters. Any individual found operating a PWC without a Boating Safety Education Identification Card or a Temporary Certificate can face fines or even arrest.

Boating safety education is not only required by law; it’s essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

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Florida Boating FAQs

Price and Payment

How much does the Florida Boat Ed Course cost?

The Florida Boat Ed Course fee is $44.95.

Taking the Course

Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Florida?

Do I have to complete the course all at once?

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay-up-front courses are available for 90 days from time of registration and payment.

What is the minimum age to take this online course?

There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.

Do I have to be a resident to take the Florida Boat Ed Course?

You do not have to be a resident of Florida to take this online course.

Course Approval and Acceptance

Is the Florida Boat Ed Course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission?

The Florida Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Is my Florida Boating Safety Education I.D. Card accepted elsewhere?

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)

Quizzes and/or Exams

I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?

If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 70% on the unit quizzes to pass.

Do I have to take an online exam?

The Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.

About Your Certification

What is the proof of online Florida Boat Ed Course completion?

Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Temporary Boater Education Certificate. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Temporary Boater Education Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you. This certificate EXPIRES 90 days after course completion.

What is the permanent Florida Boating Safety Education I.D. Card?

The Boating Safety Education I.D. Card is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. If you selected to receive a physical copy of the Boating Safety Education I.D. Card, it will arrive within 3-4 weeks after you complete all certification requirements. However, if you opted to receive an electronic Boating Safety Education I.D. Card, it will be emailed to you at your registered email ID within 1–4 days after successfully completing the course.

Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents

How do I replace my Boating Safety Education I.D. Card if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?

To replace a lost or destroyed Boating Safety Education I.D. Card, you can order a duplicate by calling 850-488-5600 or emailing [email protected].

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Visit our Boat Ed help center for frequently asked questions, troubleshooting, or for further customer support!

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