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Course Outline

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The boating laws and regulations of Florida are enforced by the FWC and its officers, county sheriffs and their deputies, and any other authorized law enforcement officer.

  • Boaters must stop when requested to do so by a law enforcement officer.
  • Violators can expect enforcement action.
    • Persons who violate boating laws and regulations may be subject to fines or, for more serious violations, subject to arrest.
    • Upon conviction for serious offenses (like misdemeanors or felonies), violators may be sentenced to heavy fines and/or jail time.
  • Florida law also requires mandatory education for violators.
    • Persons who are convicted of a criminal boating violation, a non-criminal boating infraction that resulted in an accident, or two non-criminal boating safety infractions within a 12-month period are required to attend and successfully complete an approved boating safety course before operating a vessel in Florida again. This law requires attendance in a classroom course.
    • In addition to the above, anyone convicted of a criminal boating violation or a non-criminal boating infraction that resulted in an accident also must take an approved four-hour online course for violators.
    • Visit the Florida FWC website to find a course that meets these requirements.
    Florida Enforcement Officers
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  • Topic 18 of 19
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