| Features |
|
Competitor 1 | Competitor 2 | Competitor 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Approved |  |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Instructor | |
No | No | No |
| Modern Content | |
Sometimes | No | Sometimes |
| Hands-On Learning | |
No | No | No |
| Mobile-Friendly | |
Partially | Yes | No |
| Self Paced | |
Minimum time requirements | Minimum time requirements | Minimum time requirements |
| Free Year of Wavve! |
|
No | No | No |
|
|
|---|
| Florida Approved |
| Virtual Instructor |
| Modern Content |
| Hands-On Learning |
| Mobile-Friendly |
| Self Paced |
|
Free Year of Wavve! |
| Competitor 1 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| Sometimes |
| No |
| Partially |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
| Competitor 2 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| No |
| No |
| Yes |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
| Competitor 3 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| Sometimes |
| No |
| No |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
To operate a motorboat in Florida, certain boaters must complete an approved boating safety education course and obtain a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card, commonly called a Boater Safety ID Card. Florida does not issue a traditional “boating license,” but state law requires boater education for specific operators.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or more must have completed an approved course and carry proof of that education. Once you successfully complete the requirement, you may obtain the Boater Safety ID Card through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Florida law requires a boating safety education for the following operators:
Operators who are required to have proof of boating safety education must be able to provide it when requested by law enforcement.
You can obtain your Florida Boater Safety ID Card by completing an approved boating safety education course accepted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Approved course formats include:
Online boating safety education courses allow students to complete the Florida boating education requirement remotely. After successfully completing the course and exam, students may obtain a Boater Safety ID Card through FWC as proof of education completion.
Florida also allows students to complete the boating safety education requirement through in-person classroom instruction provided by approved organizations. These courses cover boating rules, safe operation practices, and emergency procedures. Upon successful completion, students receive proof of education completion that may be used to obtain a Boater Safety ID Card.
Boater Safety ID Cards and accepted proof of boating education do not expire and do not require renewal.
Florida recognizes boating education requirements based on approved instruction and proof of completion. When boating outside Florida, operators should verify the laws of the destination state, since education requirements and age restrictions may differ.
Boat-Ed+ is produced by Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC. Kalkomey is dedicated to providing print and online boating education courses for North American boaters in Canada and the United States. Boat-Ed is the only boating safety education course and exam provider that develops online courses, eBooks, and print materials on behalf of government boating and boater safety agencies in North America. Completing your Florida boating safety course through Boat-Ed+ ensures you receive an FWC-approved, NASBLA-compliant education that meets all state requirements for earning your Boater Safety ID Card.
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.
Is it the Boating safety license?
Boating safety education certification is not the same thing as a Boating license.
What you really need is the Boating Safety Education Certificate.
You can get the
Boating Safety Education Certificate
by taking this boat safety course
at boat-ed.com.
Find out if you need the card.
Did you lose your card? Replace it here.
GET CERTIFIED
You can take a NASBLA-sanctioned paddlesports safety course to learn safe practices for non-motorized crafts such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. This course focuses on paddlesports safety but does not replace Florida's boating safety certificate requirement when operating motorized vessels.
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Florida offers some of the most diverse boating opportunities in the country, from protected wetlands and inland waterways to offshore access and island chains. Whether you're boating, fishing, paddling, or spending the day at a sandbar, Florida's climate and coastline make it a top destination for boaters of every kind.
The Everglades
A 1.5-million-acre wetlands park ideal for boating, fishing, and paddling and home to diverse wildlife.
The Florida Keys
A chain of islands known for fishing, reefs, shipwrecks, and relaxing at sandbars with clear, inviting water.
Tampa Bay
A major natural harbor offering fishing, offshore access, and day cruises to Downtown St. Pete or Tampa.
Miami
Cruise past Miami's skyline or anchor at sandbars like Haulover and Nixon Beach, with tropical waters and fishing nearby.
Destin
Florida's “Emerald Coast” spot for clear water, white-sand beaches, Crab Island sandbar boating, and great fishing.
